In spite of its many benefits, adequate sleep is something few of us enjoy.
Studies have shown that most people don’t get the 7 to 10 hours of sleep that
their bodies require. Insufficient sleep can have a direct impact on how much
weight you lose or gain.
Start your 14-day weight loss program by performing a personal sleep inventory.
Look at the amount of sleep you get each night. Is it enough? If not, what is
keeping you from sleeping more? Sometimes the answer is obvious, like a
newborn baby or a demanding work schedule. Other common culprits include too
much computer time before bed (computer and video games stimulate the brain,
preventing it from winding down in preparation for sleep); alcohol consumption;
and insomnia due to stress or anxiety.
Do what you can to manage your stress level while you’re awake. Get some
exercise each day, in the sunlight if possible. Avoid drinking caffeine after noon.
Journal about issues in your life which are troubling you, or talk to a trusted friend
or advisor. Yoga and meditation can also help. Never use sleep aids unless your
doctor gives you the go-ahead, as you can become dependent on them.
Finally, make sure your bedroom is conducive to a good night’s sleep. If noises
tend to wake you during the night, invest in a cheap pair of foam earplugs, or
drown out background noise with a fan. Make sure the room is dark, and turn off
any electronic devices that have flashing lights. Wind down before bed with a
warm bath, a cup of chamomile tea, and a book. You can also take melatonin
supplements to help you get restful sleep throughout the night.
Chapter 6: Calorie-burning Activities
As we learned in chapter 3, weight loss comes easier when you add physical
activity. Many of us have plenty of excuses for our sedentary lifestyles: We work
too hard, can’t afford gym memberships, have too many demands on our time, or
just plain don’t like to exercise.
You can outsmart your body to achieve INCREDIBLE weight loss results while
still eating what you want with “Cheat Your Way Thin”:
