This post is short, sweet, and right to the point.

Keeping your metabolism high is crucial for losing weight and keeping it off – which is a goal of almost everyone I talk to. However, several common lifestyle mistakes may slow down your metabolism.

On a regular basis, these habits could make it hard to lose weight — and even make you more prone to gain weight in the future. Blasphemy!

Let’s cut to the chase and lay it all out here so you can stop making these mistakes and get the body you want:

1. Cutting calories too much and for too long lowers your metabolic rate, which can make weight loss and weight maintenance more difficult.
2.  Protein increases metabolic rate more than carbs or fat. Increased protein intake helps preserve metabolic rate during weight loss and maintenance.
3. Being inactive reduces the number of calories you burn during the day. Try to minimize sitting and increase your general activity levels.
4. Getting adequate, high-quality sleep and sleeping at night rather than during the day can help preserve your metabolic rate.
5. A high intake of fructose-containing beverages may reduce metabolic rate and promote fat storage in your belly and liver.
6. Strength training increases muscle mass and helps preserve your metabolic rate during weight loss and aging.

Engaging in lifestyle behaviors that slow down your metabolism can lead to weight gain over time. It’s best to avoid or minimize them as much as possible.