If you’re having trouble losing weight, it could be because you’re not sleeping enough.
Scientists have discovered that you can double your chances of achieving your weight loss goal if you get between six and eight hours of sleep a night.
Any more than that is too inactive and any less increases stress levels and increases cravings for unhealthy food, the study suggests.
People trying to lose at least 10 pounds were more likely to reach that goal if they had lower stress levels and slept moderately.
Nearly 500 adults took part in the study by Kaiser Permanente, in Portland, USA, with an average age of 55 and all of whom suffered from obesity.
Getting a healthy amount of sleep, avoiding stress and following a weight-loss plan (such as keeping a food diary) seem to boost the odds of success, according to a new study.
Those involved in the study were asked to attend counseling sessions, cut 500 calories a day and exercise at least three hours a week. They also had to keep a diary of their habits including sleep patterns and stress levels.
After six months, 60 per cent of the participants had lost at least 10 pounds. The successful dieters were more likely to report that they slept between six and eight hours each night.
Almost three quarters of dieters who had both low stress levels and six to eight hours sleep a night were likely to achieve the 10 pound weight loss target. They were also twice as likely to be successful as participants who reported the highest stress levels and got six or less hours sleep a night.
The study is published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Our health and wellness contributer, Julie Watson, has started her “Find Your FIT Challenge” on her blog. We love the idea and want to share with you! When I read Julie’s post, it rang true for me because this happens to me every year.
Find Your FIT Challenge by Julie Watson
I usually start gaining my “Christmas weight” around Halloween time up until New Years. But this year, I decided not to let it happen again.
Julie writes that she had already put on her Christmas weight by December 15th and decided enough was enough. On New Year’s Eve, she posted her “Find Your FIT Challenge” inviting others to join her in her 60-day journey to get healthy.
Here is Julie’s post and first vlog!
For 60 days, I am going to post vlogs containing weekly workouts you can do at home. Video moves of the week, posts written about my progress, my eating, my workouts. You will be my journal and my accountability. We can talk nutrition, sleep, hydration, cleanses…whatever you want.
Here is what you need to know about the “Find Your FIT Challenge”
F: Freedom, Forever, Fix. This process will help you feel the freedom from weight, stress, chemicals, processed foods and from your own thoughts. This process is forever, there is no “quick-fix” when it comes to getting fit and staying fit. This is a transformational feeling that we can make last forever.
I: Integrate, Interchange, Inspire. By integrating your favorite activities, be it yoga, walking, hiking, dancing, running, strength training, swimming etc. you can choose your best workout, for you, your body, mind and spirit. Cross-training garners the best possible results, so interchange your workouts. Get inspiration from people you look up to and admire. Inspire yourself, and inspire others in the process.
T: Time, Together. Make the time for yourself, because you deserve it. NOW. Not later, not when you retire. Let’s do this together, grab a partner too. Being accountable to someone else, or competing with someone (if that’s your thing) will help you achieve your goals and stay with it!
What you need:
A measuring tape (not a scale, unless you want one)-I will post the necessary measurements.
A journal to track food, water intake and workouts (should you want to see your own progress)
Running shoes ( if you want to do my workouts-or simply track your own)
Commitment (hey, we all fall off the wagon, or dine out, or go on a trip, or get sick–but just jump back in!)
You can let me know if you are joining me, or just quietly manage your own challenge, whatever suits your needs.
I am doing this for me, and for whoever wants to join me! Follow along next week as we start our New Year with a workout vlog! Our goal will not be a specific measurement or weight, because we will be continuing our new lifestyle well after the challenge is over. Our goal is transformation– to making health and fitness a priority in 2011. I can’t wait to transform along with you!
~ Julie
Watch Julie’s first vlog and stay updated and watch more videos on Julie’s blog!
So what are you waiting for? Find your FIT challenge and good luck!
Julie Watson is the owner of AfterGlow Health & Fitness in Toronto, for prenatal, postnatal and beyond. When not training, speaking, or writing about Moms & Babes, she apparently spends too much time on her computer, and does her best to listen to her 3 kids. Not necessarily in that order.
