Health

Everyday Habits That Contribute to Weight Gain

 

MensXP.com – Fri, Jun 8, 2012

 

 

If you are wondering why you have been packing on the kilos all of a sudden or why over time it has been difficult to manage your weight,

it is probably due to certain dietary and lifestyle choices that are causing this. These are normal, everyday stuff that we do quite unawares that it is having an impact on our metabolism. Read on to find out what it is that you need to be careful of to avoid the unwanted weight gain.

 

Insufficient sleep

If you have been losing sleep or not sleeping enough, chances are you will put on weight. This will happen because people who don’t get the right amount of sleep tend to feel hungrier even if they have eaten a full meal. The appetite in your body is regulated by a hormone called cortisol which is secreted during sleep. If you don’t sleep well enough, your system gets imbalanced leading you to feel hungry and eventually taking in more calories than you need. Another side effect of sleep loss is the increase of fat storage in the body. So make sure you go to bed on time and get a good 8 hours of rest.

 

Alcohol intake

A lot of men unwind after a hard day’s work with a drink or two at the local pub. Although this may lower down stress levels or make the mind feel light for a while, alcohol consumption adds to the calories that are being consumed. So, unless you really need a drink, try and avoid it. Social drinking does have its benefits, one of them being unnecessary weight gain.

Missing breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After a good night’s sleep it is important to get some fuel into your body. By not having anything to eat at all, your metabolism is thrown out of gear and any food that is consumed later on has the potential to add to your weight. As soon as you are out of bed make sure you get a highly nutritious breakfast like cereal and fresh fruits.

 

Not watching how much we eat

Quantity of food is just as important as quality. Just because lunch has been served, it does not mean you need to eat everything laid out on the table. Likewise, don’t stop eating only when you feel full. Overeating causes severe indigestion which results in weight gain in all the wrong places. Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than have one large meal.

 

Not enough exercise

This one is a no-brainer but still it has to be mentioned. Get off that couch, turn off the TV and get some exercise. Sports, working out at the gym or just taking a walk are the best ways to burn the excess calories. You also end up looking good and feeling confident.

It is the little things that we do that eventually define the kind of lifestyle we lead. If you find yourself guilty of some of the things mentioned in this article it’s never too late to turn things around. A few conscious and disciplined efforts and you will back on track in no time.