How you begin your day is so important. Starting things off on the right foot will not only set the tone for the rest of your day but can also make a big difference in your overall health in the long run. In fact, sticking to a great morning routine full of healthy habits is one of the best ways to promote weight loss. And some of the best habits are also the simplest.
In this article, we’re highlighting a few of the best steps you can take each morning in order to help your body function to the best of its ability and blast fat at a faster rate. We checked in with board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Hector Perez of Bariatric Journal to get his expert advice. He told us that it can be as simple as 1-2-3: eat a nutritious breakfast, drink a glass of water, and get moving! Learn more below.
1. Eat a nutritious breakfast
Haven't you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Nourishing your body with healthy foods upon waking is one of the best ways to ensure that it's thriving all day long—and that you're satiated and energized enough to take on fat-blasting workouts.
"A nutritious breakfast should include lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats," Dr. Perez tells us. "Eating a balanced breakfast will keep you feeling fuller for longer and help to regulate your blood sugar levels, preventing cravings later in the day. This could be really helpful if you frequently find yourself snacking on unhealthy foods throughout the day or have a habit of overeating when you're feeling hungry." Perfect!
He lists oatmeal with walnuts and berries, a spinach omelet, and Greek yogurt (which is full of benefits) with granola and fresh fruit as a few great examples.
2. Drink a glass of water
Don't forget to hydrate! According to Dr. Perez, starting your day with a fresh glass of water is one of the best ways to aid weight loss each morning.
"Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is also a great way to get your metabolism going and help flush out toxins from your body," he says. "It's also a way to wake up your digestive system and get it ready right before you eat breakfast." In general, hydration is one major key to your overall health.
3. Get some exercise
It's probably not surprising to hear that exercise is important for weight loss (especially when you combine cardio and strength) but finding time to move every morning can be an especially fantastic habit, even if it's on a small scale.
"This doesn't have to be an intense workout—even going for a walk around your neighborhood or doing a few basic exercises at home can help to get your blood flowing and burn some calories," Dr. Perez assures us. "Staying active throughout the day will also help to keep you energized and motivated to continue with your journey toward fat loss."
There are tons of simple exercises you can do each morning to get your blood flowing. Find the one that works for you and make it a habit in your daily routine!
The bottom line
Ultimately, losing weight requires you to make a number of healthy decisions on a regular basis. However, starting your day off with these habits is always a good idea not only for your waistline, but also for your overall health. When you treat your body right in the morning by eating a nutritious breakfast, drinking ample water, and getting your body moving, you'll be making strides towards your dream body.
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