Your morning can make or break your whole day; while they might seem small and inconsequential, the habits you practice at the beginning of each morning can make all the difference in your overall health. This is especially true when it comes to weight loss. In fact, according to dietitian Trista Best, there are a few small changes you can make to your morning routine that could actually help you burn more fat.
Burning calories doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on simple yet effective habits, you can help your body boost fat burn and jumpstart your metabolism. According to Best, drinking a cold glass of water and getting some movement into your morning are two great ways to start. Find all of her expert advice below.
1. Drink a Glass of Cold Water
One of the easiest ways to boost your morning metabolism is by drinking a glass of cold water, Best tells us. "The cold water makes the body use more energy to get back to its warmer temperature, and this process is referred to as thermogenesis," she says. This ultimately burns more calories, making it a great start to your day.
Want to take your morning glass of water to the next level? "Add a splash of lemon or a pinch of chia seeds for extra benefits," Best suggests. She also recommends keeping a glass of ice water by your bed as a reminder to hydrate first thing in the morning. Great idea!
2. Incorporate a Quick Morning Workout
Getting some movement first thing in the morning is another great habit to incorporate into your daily routine. "Incorporating 10-15 minutes of movement each morning can do wonders for your metabolism and energy," Best says. "Just a short time stimulates the metabolism and increases the amount of calories burned for hours after the workout is complete, this is known as the afterburn effect."
As far as the best exercises for the job, Best recommends trying high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for a quick calorie boost. "Yoga or stretching can also engage muscles and improve circulation," she adds. Of course, a brisk walk or jog in fresh air is always a great option, too.
When you add these simple habits to your morning routine, you can pave the way for easier weight loss and a healthier body overall. Easy as that!
READ MORE: Experts Tell Us What ‘Restrictive Fasting’ Does For Weight Loss: ‘It Can Cause Long-Term Damage’
