What you do first thing in the morning sets the tone for the entire day. This applies to your diet and fitness habits too. A quick bout of exercise right after waking up will keep you energized and active. Plus, you'll pay more attention to what you eat and make smarter food choices. Certain morning habits can actually help you lean out. We're not talking about crazy rituals or strenuous workouts that drain your energy. All you need to do is to make some simple lifestyle changes. Let's get into it!
Eat Protein for Breakfast If you're into fitness and healthy eating, you probably know that how important protein is. It promotes muscle growth, boosts metabolism, and improves body composition. What you might not know is that eating protein in the morning can speed up weight loss. In a
study, subjects who got 35 grams of protein at breakfast reported less hunger and fewer cravings throughout the day. They also managed to maintain their weight over 12 weeks. The placebo group experienced none of these changes. Protein suppresses appetite and reduces the desire for snacking. Just think how full you feel after eating eggs or chicken. A high-protein breakfast can help reduce your total food intake and hence, accelerate fat loss.
Get 10 Minutes of Exercise No matter how busy you are, you can squeeze 10 minutes of exercise into your morning routine. This simple habit will keep you active all day long and kick-start your metabolism. Plus, it lifts your mood and boosts your productivity. The whole point is to start small and build up. Commit to working out for at least 10 minutes every morning. Go jogging, do some push-ups and squats, or try Pilates. The choice is up to you. Once you get the ball rolling, everything will become easier. Add a few extra minutes of exercise to your routine every week.
Drink Water Coffee works wonders in the morning, but water is even better. Start the day with one or two glasses of water to boost your digestion and metabolism.
Research shows that drinking water in the morning hydrates the body, which allows for better digestion. Even though it doesn't increase calorie burn, it keeps your metabolism running smoothly. On top of that, water helps your body flush out toxins and improves kidney function.
Pack Snacks for Later Morning is a perfect time to plan your snacks for the day head. Pack a handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds. If you prefer, opt for cottage cheese, yogurt with berries, trail mixes, or high-protein pancakes. Take them at work to avoid temptation and stay on track with your diet. This way, you'll always have a healthy treat at hand and ward off hunger.
Walk to Work Depending on how far you live from work, consider turning your commute into exercise. Walk or cycle to work instead of driving. Wake up 20-30 minutes earlier if necessary. If your office is located far away, park your car or get off the bus a few blocks from your workplace. This will make it easier to lose weight and incorporate exercise into your routine. Ready to give your morning habits a makeover? Start with these small changes! Remember that, when it comes to weight loss, it's all in the details.
