Reclaim your waist diet: sleep plan
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Researchers have noticed that as the hours we sleep decrease – seven hours now, rather than eight in the past – so obesity levels rise to match. It’s an interesting link that’s still being researched and, as always, hormones are the usual suspects.
“When you’re sleep deprived, there’s a rise in the hormones involved in appetite,” says Vivienne Parry, author of The Truth About Hormones (Altantic, £8.99). “This tricks the body into thinking that it needs more fuel, as it must be daytime. And let’s face it, when you crave food, you don’t want the good stuff – you want to eat rubbish.” Some experts feel that an extra hour of sleep could cut 100 calories a day from our intake!
Start Now: A night of great sleeping
Try a ritual of bathing, reflexology and self-hypnotism from wellbeing guru Glenda Taylor to ease you into sleep.
- Spritz a little aromatherapy body oil over the surface of your bath water, swish and then relax in it for a while. Dry off and spritz more over the skin.
- Massage your feet. Each area reflects parts of the body, so work the big toe – head, the arch – digestion, and the balls of the feet – chest and lungs.
- Finally, slip into bed, relax and close your eyes. Make an affirmation in your head about what you want most – a smaller waist, maybe? Then count from ten back to one. Glenda says she hasn’t managed to reach one yet!
Try our natural relaxation aids
Follow the Reclaim your waistline diet plan
Reclaim your waistline low carb diet
