Are you losing sleep, along with losing pounds? Well, that’s not very healthy, even if losing weight is good for your health. Maybe it’s because you’re drinking so much water that you have to get up several times to go to the bathroom at night. Or maybe you can’t sleep because of all the caffeine and stimulants in your diet drinks or supplements. You need to stop and think, before you do your health some serious damage.
Sure, it’s good to boost your metabolism, but not at the expense of getting your zzzz’s. So, instead of that third cup of green tea, go for the decaf version instead. The same goes for coffee. And for goodness sakes, beware of energy drinks. Read the ingredients and make sure you know what they are and what they do to your body.
Most energy drinks have liberal doses of stimulants, vitamins and supplements. They may include caffeine, guarana, which contains high amounts of caffeine, ginseng, spices and other herbs. Sometimes, the problem is that the consumer has no idea what effects these substances will have on her body. Even B-vitamins are not supposed to be consumed in the quantities contained in some so-called “healthy” drinks.
It’s probably better to boost your metabolism in other ways. Eating small, frequent meals is one way. Exercising for at least twenty minutes a day is another. Moving around more often and avoiding just sitting in one place is a good way to rev up your fat burning furnace. Spices and spicy foods can help with weight loss by keeping your body warmer, which burns more calories. Even deep breathing helps stoke your metabolism with oxygen and that helps you burn more calories.
While turning up the heat on your metabolism IS a good way to increase weight loss, it’s important to get enough sleep, if you want to lose weight. Exercising, especially out in the fresh air and sunshine, encourages good sleep. Making sure that you keep the stimulants to a minimum is another way to do that. Not drinking caffeine drinks after lunchtime is also a good way to make sure that you get the sleep you need to lose weight and stay healthy.
If you find yourself unable to wind down at bedtime, try a warm bath about thirty minutes before lights-out. Avoid electronic devices, computers and TV screens. Try a book instead or listen to some gentle music. Keep the lights low and keep it dark and quiet in your bedroom when you get into bed.
How much sleep we get at night has a big effect on how much weight we lose. It’s important to remember, also, that how much stimulation we get has a big effect on sleep too. Save the metabolism boosting for the daylight hours and take back the night for restful slumber. Your diet will thank you for it and you’ll look and feel more alive when you’re awake.
Filed under Weight Loss 