There you are working so hard to drop pounds. Exercising at the gym, cutting back on calories, eating more

[the_ad id=”6287″]vegetables and even trying cleansing. Although you find experts recommending all of these efforts, your plan may actually be spoiling your weight-loss goals. Sounds contradictory and exasperating, right? 

Some common diet mistakes can hamper your metabolism whether you’re sprinting in a spin class or sitting in front of the TV. That doesn’t mean that you stop making efforts. Keep up the good work and keep losing with these easy fixes. 

Your carbs are white and your meal lacks protein

Increase your fiber intake by switching to whole wheat bread, and by eating more fruits and vegetables. Research shows that fiber burns more amount of fat and people who eat more fiber gain the least weight over time. Your body needs to maintain lean muscle. Make sure your meal contains protein as a component which helps in this.

You avoid caffeine and consume more than one drink

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. So your daily java jolts can boost up your metabolism. Researchers also believe that an antioxidant named catechin present in tea also does the same. When you have an alcoholic drink, you burn less fat and that too slower than usual, because alcohol is used as fuel. So limit yourself to one drink.

You’re not consuming enough dairy

Calcium deficiency, which is common in many women, slows down metabolism. Research shows that consuming calcium through dairy foods like low-fat yoghurt and fat-free milk reduces fat absorption from other foods.

Your diet needs to increase iron

Iron-rich foods carry oxygen to your muscles that burn fat. This is even more relevant for women. Until menopause, women lose iron each month through menstruation. So they need to restock stores, as they run the risk of low energy and a sagging metabolism. Lean meats, shellfish, fortified cereals, beans, and spinach are excellent sources of iron.

You don’t eat enough to lose weight

Not eating enough affects your metabolism. When you eat less than you need for basic biological functioning, your body throws the brakes on your metabolism. It also breaks down precious, calorie-burning muscle tissue for energy. Eat just enough so that you’re not hungry. A healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack between three meals keeps your metabolism humming. This keeps you satisfied and from overeating later in the day.

Correct these mistakes to boost your metabolism and to speed up the weight loss process.

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