Sleep for Weight Loss and detoxification

Today’s Re-Powering Information: I have an interview this afternoon speaking to a group of obese women and they always want to know my “secrets” and my top motivational tips for losing weight permanently. They are usually surprised at what I have to say: SLEEP, Manage / Reduce your Stress, Detox from processed foods, Exercise 5+ days per week, eat clean natural foods. There is no magic, no secret. Do what your body is naturally made to do. Take care of your body. No magic pills or gizmo’s. Nothing to buy

The way American live – sleep deprived, stressed out, living on fast foods and with sedentary lifestyles, leads to not only obesity, but a host of other conditions. I was thrilled this morning when I heard Susan visited her sister in NJ and they eat “super healthy”. She is in the minority, but the ones who are getting it, are really getting it and it’s a wonderful and enjoyable way to live. Julie mentioned today that on Friday night when she could eat anything she wanted on my 30 Day Detox, Fat Burning Meal Plan, she felt awful after the hour. After eating pizza, she felt sick.

Your body is incredible and with each healthful habit that you adapt, you will feel that much better. Healthy habits, especially exercise are your fountain of youth. Since I have not talked about sleep in a while and that’s such an easy thing to creep away from us, I thought I would reinforce the importance of turning off the world and getting in bed at night. I know that at the beginning of each camp I re-commit to getting in bed earlier and as the camp goes on, my bed time seems to get later. I feel so much better when I get to sleep earlier. You will too.

At night is when your body cleans up all of the toxins from the day. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body does nto get a chance to detoxify.

PS – there were ads for Tylenol PM in this article that I removed. You should be able to fall asleep naturally without any medication (over the counter or prescription). Work on good sleep hygiene (a dark room, temperature 70 – 72, quiet, take a hot shower before bed, avoid caffeine or a big meal before bed, turn off the TV & computer, light a lavender candle, play soothing music, etc). Shoot for 7 hours a night. 5 hours during the week and then catching up on the weekends does not work. Experts say that even naps don’t count. Strive for 7+ consecutive hours.


You Snooze, You Win
Think back on the last time you felt really well rested. Seem like ages ago? Blame it on too much TV and Internet time, or on the piles -- dishes, laundry, work, bills -- that need tending, but our ZZZs time is dwindling. In fact, studies show that sleep deprivation and sleep troubles are on the rise, and they're chipping away at our health -- and our longevity. Read on to find out why sleep is a must for staying young and how to be better at it.

Why Sleep's a Big Deal
Think that your occasional restless night or shift from a good eight hours a night to lucky-if-you-get-six isn't much to worry about? You may be used to being tired, but your body definitely isn't. Without nightly downtime to repair and refresh its systems -- like your immune and cardiovascular systems -- your body becomes vulnerable and weak. This ups your risk for a host of illnesses, including heart disease.

See which sleep issues might be troubling you and if medications or herbal supplements may help.

Behind Closed Eyes
Lack of quality sleep also bogs down your brain. Here's why: When your eyes are open, you're watching the world and processing it visually, so your brain can do little else. You need nonvision time -- shut-eye, or sleep -- to break down info and store it in your memory for future use.

Give your eyes and your brain a rest with this sleep-promoting chi-gong move.

3 Ways to Wind Down
Although most of us know what time we'd like to hit the sack, we sabotage our sleep intentions by doing things beforehand that keep us up. Prep your body for rest with a few slight changes in your evening rituals. Try these:
• Dim the lights several hours before bed to avoid the stimulation caused by artificial light from TVs, computers, and indoor lighting.
• Come up with a regular, rhythmic evening ritual that allows you to slow down so you can work through any stress or anxieties. Meditation, prayer, and deep breathing are all good methods. Try this 10-deep-breaths exercise before bed tonight.
• Surrender to sleep. After all, there is nothing you have to do to sleep -- except let go of waking. Practice "collapsing" into sleep rather than forcing yourself to sleep.
Discover six other simple changes that you can make -- to your bed, to your body, and to your life -- that will help set the scene for a good night's sleep (night after night, not once every couple of weeks).

End


Tonight would be a great night to get into bed early after this mornings workout!