11 Ways You Are Ruining Your Metabolism

If someone asked you what you know about your metabolism and what it does to your body, your response would probably have something to do with the direct correlation between the rate of your metabolism and weight loss.Nevertheless, though most people are aware that a "fast metabolism" has been shown to speed up the weight-loss process, what if you were asked about exactly what it does? Do you know why it is important to maintain a healthy and steady metabolic rate? If so, do you know exactly what lifestyle habits may damage your metabolism?

Click here for the Metabolism Tricks slideshow.

Though most people are aware that metabolism is the breakdown of molecules that your body converts into energy, many are unaware of how to sustain a healthy metabolism. In fact, there may be little things you do every day that are hurting your metabolism without you even knowing it. Don't worry — you're not alone.

Certain lifestyle choices have the potential to either hurt or help your metabolism. Depending on a person's sex, weight, height, and daily routine, some habits may affect his or her metabolism in different ways than they affect other peoples'. For example, someone with a higher basal metabolic rate (BMI) has the ability to burn calories faster than someone with a lower rate. Therefore, his or her BMI may be less affected by an unhealthy diet. Nevertheless, there are a couple of things that will always hurt our metabolism, no matter what our BMI might be.

If you're trying to stay healthy, read on to learn about 11 things you may be doing that have been shown to damage your metabolism.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep affects your metabolism from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. If you are sleep deprived, your body has a harder time managing its blood sugar levels.

Skipping a Meal

In attempt to lose weight, many of us skip breakfast, lunch, and dinner and graze throughout the day instead. However, Dr. Freedhoff of Weighty Matters explains that how frequently you eat has little to do with your BMI. It is more about the quality and quantity of your diet.