12 Healthy Ways to Get Lean, Mean, & Gorgeous

Photo by: Designed by Naomi Abel, R29

November: Fall Back (Asleep)

We've long been told that the superduo "secret" of staying (or getting) lean, toned and healthy is diet and exercise. But several studies completed during the past year have shown that the winning combination to a healthier life is actually a trifecta. The missing ingredient? Sleep.

Studies have shown that when we squeeze in mere four or five hours of sleep, our brains freak out... more 

Photo by: Designed by Naomi Abel, R29

November: Fall Back (Asleep)

We've long been told that the superduo "secret" of staying (or getting) lean, toned and healthy is diet and exercise. But several studies completed during the past year have shown that the winning combination to a healthier life is actually a trifecta. The missing ingredient? Sleep.

Studies have shown that when we squeeze in mere four or five hours of sleep, our brains freak out about food. The first sign: appetite-regulating hormones in our bodies are thrown off kilter after sleep deprivation, and fail to send the "I'm satisfied" message after a meal or snack, which causes us to consume even more than we normally might. What's more, the part of our brains that respond to the salty and sugary stuff in junk food, and see it as a reward, kicks into overdrive after five hours of sleep (vs. eight or nine), often causing us to choose unhealthier foods the morning (and day) after.

Bottom line? When the clock changes from Daylight Savings Time to Daylight Standard Time, don't just grab that "extra" hour once. Instead, aim to go to bed half an hour early and wake half an hour later. Sleeping well will allow your brain and body to communicate about hunger and food cravings clearly. Dreamy.
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