3 Morning Habits That Help You Lose Weight

It is no secret that early risers are able to achieve a significant number of tasks before the rest of the world wakes up. When it comes to losing weight, getting in the habit of checking a few things off of your to-do list in the morning will go a long way in helping you to achieve your weight loss goals. There are certain things you should add to your routine and to your diet if you want to make progress. Here are three-morning habits that will help you lose weight.

Step on the Scale

Stepping on the scale when you wake up serves to provide a boost in motivation and self-control as you go about your day. According to Iron Paradise Fitness, weighing yourself a couple of times a week can help you measure your progress if you’re trying to lose weight.  Keeping yourself accountable for your eating and exercise habits through daily weigh-ins can foster a healthier lifestyle. Simply knowing that you will be stepping on the scale in the morning may provide the motivation that you need to turn down that dessert. Weighing yourself before you eat or drink anything will provide the most consistent results. Keep in mind that it is normal for weight to fluctuate daily and it is important to always look at the big picture rather than the day to day results.

Hydrate Early and Often

According to TruVision, just two glasses of water in the morning can increase your metabolism by up to 30 percent! Water is also necessary to process vitamins and other nutrients you're taking in throughout the day. For this reason, it is important to start your day with a big glass of water and continue to hydrate throughout the day. While most people reach for a cup of coffee in the morning, getting in the habit of drinking water instead will give your metabolism a boost and provide a host of additional benefits.

Get Moving

Savvy fitness enthusiasts understand the importance of knocking out that workout first thing in the morning. The longer that you wait to get moving, the more tempting it will be to put it off for another day. Even if you do not have time to get in a full workout, a quick jog around the block or some gentle stretching will boost your metabolism. Exercise in the morning has also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day, helping you to resist those cravings when they strike.

Make Good Breakfast Choices

When you wake up in the morning, it might be tempting to just grab a donut and coffee on your way to work. However, making better breakfast choices daily will help you over time to get into the habit of healthy eating and lose weight. Instead of things like donuts and sugary cereal, try eating some toast and fruit. Don’t be afraid to put some butter on that toast, either. Research has shown that butter is better for you than margarine because margarine is full of trans fat but butter just has saturated fats. In fact, our bodies need certain types of fat to function, and putting some butter on your toast is a great way to incorporate that.

Making these few small changes to your morning routine can pay off big dividends in your weight loss efforts. As with any type of weight loss program, the key is to remain consistent and committed to your program.