Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Turn in Early for Weight Loss Success

By Vianesa Vargas


What does your morning look like? Do you hit the snooze button multiple times and finally, reluctantly, drag yourself out of bed the fourth time the alarm sounds? Do you fly through your morning routine, then find yourself eating behind the wheel of your car--later wondering why you can't lose weight? If that's the case, you probably spend the rest of the morning racing against the clock at work and trying to play catch up.

This is no way to start a morning!

Benjamin Franklin was onto something when he said, "Early to bed, early to rise makes a (wo)man healthy wealthy and wise."

Getting a good night's rest is imperative for good physical and mental health. And the timing of your wakefulness can have a definite impact on your stress level and productivity throughout the day. Sleep experts have also made the connection between sleep and maintaining a healthy weight.

It's a reality of motherhood that certain things can only get done when the kids are in bed. But rather than burning the midnight oil, the better solution may be to go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up early. Getting to bed early can also fit in with a weight loss program if you are looking to lose weight. Getting to bed early is also an important component to a successful weight loss program for moms who are looking to lose weight.

Yo-yo bedtimes are as bad as being on a yo-yo diet. When it comes to sleep, your body needs a routine. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep-wake cycles are regulated by the circadian clock in our brains; the body needs to balance both sleep time and wake time. Regularly pulling late-nighters to tend to household chores can upset your circadian rhythms, which could make it hard to fall asleep at night and get up in the morning.

Set a consistent bedtime and a consistent waking time, and you're likely to get a better night's sleep. That, along with a consistent weight loss program, sets the stage for a better day.

If you're a night owl, it may take some time to change into an early bird. There are many resources on the Web where you can find helpful tips for becoming an early riser. Try them out for yourself.

If you're reading this at 2 a.m. or even 11 p.m., STOP now and hit the hay! Take control of your slumber and your weight!

Consider the following benefits of being an early bird:

- You'll feel less irritated because you're giving yourself extra time to get ready for work, school or a day at home with the kids

- You can exercise before your family rises and stick to your weight loss goals

- Like the "Early Bird" you too can catch the "Worm;" eating breakfast at your kitchen table pays huge dividends to a healthy diet

Keep these tips in mind. Becoming a morning person is not as difficult as it sounds. Besides, sleep is the safest weight loss plan available and doesn't cost you a dime!




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