A healthy diet and moderate exercise – this might be your concept of a productive lifestyle. Yes, they are a vital part of it. But, you need much more than that to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some of the little things that you do in your daily life may derail your health in the long run. You may not be aware of the harmful effect of these habits. Here are a few of them that make you sick and fat.
1. You Don’t Sleep Well
Your busy schedule forces you to develop a sporadic sleep pattern. A sleep-deprived person’s immune system will be weakened. The effect of sleep deprivation mirrors the same type of immediate response shown during exposure to stress.1 Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are new risk factors for the development of obesity. Over time, obesity could lead to many other chronic diseases.
2. You Skip Meals
Your metabolism will go for a toss with this habit. Ultimately, your irregular eating schedule will make you fat. Give your metabolism a boost by eating your breakfast, lunch, and dinner on time. And watch out your calorie intake.
3. You Follow A Diet Without Any Expert Advice
Do you tend to join the trendy new diet? Well, without taking an expert’s word, it is not wise to embrace any diet. Even if it is a paleo or low-carb diet, banning an entire food group from your menu is not a good idea. If you fail to maintain a balance in your diet, nutritional deficiencies may follow soon. Also, as part of healthy eating, you may tend to shun all fat including healthy fat. Fats like flax seeds and nuts help you stay healthy. Hence, moderate your diet regimen, seeking advice from experts.
4. You Always Munch On Unhealthy Snacks
Your waistline will thank you if you refrain from unhealthy snacks. Keep healthy snacks such as almonds or some fruits at your desk. These healthy choices will have a positive effect on you, raising your energy level. Additionally, kick your favorite unhealthy foods out of the house. Avoid keeping your trigger foods such as cookies, chips, or other items in the kitchen.
5. You Don’t Like Organic
Are you not tired of consuming toxins or pesticides from conventionally grown products? Organic foods are blessed with more beneficial nutrients and contain fewer pesticides. To feed your body high-quality nutrients, start eating organic fruits and vegetables.
6. You Don’t Believe In Deficiencies
If you think deficiencies are for kids and underdeveloped countries, you are wrong. Nutritional deficiencies can occur in you too. Many people are unaware of these deficiencies, which can have severe consequences. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and a lack of vitamin D can affect your bone health. Your body usually gives you signs and symptoms, when you are at a deficit of these nutrients. Sometimes you may not be able to understand the signs. So, get tested for these deficiencies often.
7. You Eat Too Quickly
Finishing your breakfast/lunch fast is how you manage to find that extra time for your work. Train yourself to stop this habit. Otherwise, it may spoil your attempts to lose weight. As you eat quickly you don’t give time for your stomach to understand that you are full. According to a study from the University of Rhode Island, those who ate slowly ate 1/3 less than those who ate fast.
8. No Stress Relief Tactic For You
Do you have a habit that helps you relax after work? If you don’t unwind after a stressful day, it’s gonna elevate your cortisol level. When you are stressed out, your immune system will be weakened and you are more susceptible to getting sick. Well, as you know, that is never good news. Develop a habit that can be a stress buster for you. Yoga, meditation, or music – choose anything that suits you well. Moreover, you should bid goodbye to your habit of staying late at work. Leaving office late will delay your food and most importantly, your sleep.
9. You Sit Too Much
Sitting is the new smoking – you may have heard this warning. Your sedentary job style may demand you to sit and work. But, develop a habit to break the continuous sitting pattern. A two-minute walk every hour will be beneficial. Or make arrangements to stand up and work for some time.
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