Move LESS to lose MORE weight?
Welcome to the time of year when millions of Americans are working out MORE in an effort to lose some unwanted pounds!
Regular, consistent exercise IS a strict component of maintaining a healthy weight…
But what if I told you that moving LESS is also a part of the weight loss equation?
Seems impossible, but let me explain the science…
Too many people forget the missing link to maintaining a healthy weight…
It’s SLEEP.
Sleep is your body’s built-in recovery tool that supports a healthy diet by absorbing nutrients. And it bolsters an active lifestyle by aiding in muscle and cardiovascular recovery.
Getting quality sack time is a critical part of your weight loss program along with diet and exercise.
And here’s the proof.
A recent study examined dieters who lost weight, then were given some combination of exercise classes along with either a weight loss drug or a placebo.
Who lost more weight?
NONE OF THEM!
The researchers who led the study said the reason for success or failure actually came down to sleep above all else.
Poor sleepers (classified as the folks who slept too little, or just didn’t have good sleep quality) added about 1.2-1.3 points back onto their BMI. This could equate to 10 or more extra pounds!
Don’t discount exercise, because it does help. Those who got about two hours of exercise a week also slept better—another benefit of regular activity.
So, just like exercise and diet, you HAVE to make sleep a priority. Do your best to get to bed at the same time each night and stay away from screens at least an hour before bed.
If that doesn’t do the trick, consider melatonin supplements. They’ll help you get into that optimal sleep zone—for optimal recovery.
You can also check out our in-depth look at pistachio and how it can promote deep, quality sleep.
To restful nights and healthy weight,
Cory Templeman
Senior Editor, eAlert
Sources:
Study Finds. “Poor sleep prevents dieters from keeping the weight off.”
