The number of obese people worldwide has almost tripled since 1975. Unfortunately, obesity has been blamed for many health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.
And that’s not all; obese people might suffer low self-esteem and compromised body balance.
So who wouldn’t want to shed some weight?
The problem is that it isn’t easy. A drastic change in lifestyle is usually necessary. For most people, this means giving up some foods, regular fasting, and, more often than not, getting into an intensive exercise regime.
But what if we told you that there is an easier way out? And no, you won’t be popping any pills. Here’s how.
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Get Enough Sleep
It is an open secret that a great mattress can promote better sleep. (Good news! Now you can easily fit mattresses through doors thanks to mattress in a box technology from Ecosa).
But how is sleep related to a healthy weight?
Here’s how.
It Discourages Weight Gain
Not getting enough sleep is linked to higher BMI and weight gain. Additionally, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea worsen as one’s weight increases, leading to a vicious cycle where poor sleeping habits cause weight gain, which further decreases sleep quality. Getting enough sleep is the best (and probably easiest) way to get out of this cycle.
Reduces Appetite
It has been observed that many sleep-deprived people tend to have a higher appetite, as compared to individuals who get enough sleep.
This is mainly because of the impact sleep has on the production of hunger hormones, ghrelin, and leptin.
Ghrelin signals hunger to the brain. It is produced in high amounts when the stomach is empty and low when the stomach is full. Leptin, on the other hand, is produced by fat cells.
It signals fullness to the brain. When you get enough sleep, the body produces more leptin and less ghrelin, decreasing your appetite.
A Clear Mind
Getting enough sleep rests and refreshes the brain. This leads to high activity levels in the frontal lobe of the brain, promoting good decision making and self-control.
This helps you fight cravings for unhealthy foods, and makes it easier for you to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Worth mentioning is that the brain’s reward centers are more stimulated when you’re sleep-deprived. Therefore, you’re more likely to be attracted to a high-calorie tub of ice cream after a poor night’s sleep.
How Else Can You Lose Weight Painlessly?
True, getting some good sleep might not be enough to lose weight. The following are some other things you should do.
Take Regular Walks
Taking a walk is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and burn off some calories. When the weather allows it, take a walk around your neighborhood.
If you can’t find the time to take a walk, try getting off the bus before your stop, taking the stairs as often as you can, or pushing a lawnmower, as opposed to using a powered one.
Add Healthier Foods to Your Diet
Try adding healthier foods to your diet. Slip in as may fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods as you can to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Make sure to add fruits and vegetables you like, otherwise, they’ll end up forgotten at the edge of the dinner table, or at the bottom of your lunch bag.
Go Lighter on High-Calorie Foods
Completely cutting away the high-calorie foods from your diet is a daunting and often impossible task. The next best thing, however, is to get the lower-calorie versions of your favorite foods. For instance, if you simply can’t go to the beach without a coke, grab a diet coke instead.
The taste difference is minimal, and yet one has a significantly lower amount of calories.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss is a journey that’s unique for everyone. What works for someone else may not work for you, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
The most important thing is to get started. Don’t forget to be patient with yourself because this isn’t a sprint but a marathon.
