5 Everyday Habits That Are Causing You to Gain Weight

You haven’t eaten fast food and candy for a long time, you exercise regularly, and you try hard to lose weight...but those extra pounds seem to just hang on. In fact, most people just don’t realize that their usual morning rituals can prevent them from getting the body of their dreams.

The Bright Side team has collected 5 morning habits that you should give up right now.

1. You sleep too much

With too little sleep, your body is more likely to produce the stress-response hormone cortisol which increases your appetite. However, oversleeping might not be much better for you either. According to a recent study conducted by PLOS One journal, sleeping more than 10 hours a night can lead to a higher body mass index. It’s no wonder that doctors recommend getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day.

2. You get ready in the dark

Open the blinds or curtains immediately after waking up. One study in the journal PLOS One found that blue light waves from the early morning sun boost your metabolism and help your body wake up. Even 20 to 30 minutes of daylight is enough to affect your body mass index.

3. You don’t make your bed

It may sound strange, but it’s true. A study by the US National Sleep Foundation revealed that people who reported making their beds also reported better sleep overall. After all, healthy sleep is the optimal way toward a healthy weight.

4. You forget to weigh yourself

Researchers from Cornell University proved that daily weighing is a successful technique that encourages weight loss. The best time to step on the scale is first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Since you lose water weight overnight, you’ll get the most accurate number.

5. You eat too little for breakfast

Researchers from Tel Aviv University insist that you should pamper yourself with a delicious meal in the mornings. In fact, a balanced breakfast that contains 600 calories of lean protein, carbohydrates, and some dessert will make it easier for you to follow your daily diet plan.