Weight loss mistakes before you go to bed
When it comes to weight loss, it’s hard to try and work out what little changes you can make that can have a positive effect on your health and lifestyle. It’s not just about calorie intake and exercise, there are other things that will affect your body.
Australian dietician Jessica Spendlove spoke to the Daily Mail and revealed some of the ways we may be stifling our weight loss before bed.
Night-time weight loss tips
Her first tip is about just how long you should be sleeping. It’s common knowledge that about 8 hours of sleep is the ideal dose, but a lot of people will sacrifice sleep for early mornings or late nights.
“Sleep is the most important recovery tool. It is where the body rests, resets and regenerates. Not getting enough sleep over time can lead to disruptions in hormones and energy levels,” Jessica explained.
“Having the occasional bad or inadequate sleep and training will not impact on fitness or health in the long term. However, if inadequate sleep becomes continuous and can impact your training and fitness.”
She also says that skipping dinner because it’s late isn’t the best idea. It’s an old wives’ tale that you shouldn’t eat a large meal before you go to bed, and although it isn’t the best time of day, it is important to keep your energy intake level.
“While it is not ideal to eat a big meal right before you go to bed, it will not necessarily result in weight gain particularly if it is only occasionally,” said Jessica. “Skipping dinner might be an immediate reduction in energy intake, but it can lead to spikes in hunger the following day which can lead to over-eating.”
The next tip is surprising, but it involves working out right before you go to sleep. Although some people find a workout right before they hit the hay helps them sleep, others may find that the adrenaline and high energy makes it harder for them to get some much-needed shut-eye.
The final tip is no surprise, using technology before you sleep is a no-no. Jessica explains: “Unfortunately using technology close to your bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep as it prevents the production of melatonin, when it's time for sleep, our brains naturally secrete melatonin, which aids in us falling asleep.”
Weight loss tips before bed
- Get adequate sleep
- Don't skip dinner
- Don't work out before bed
- Don't use technology before sleeping
SEE ALSO: The importance of sleep
Although we cannot always be as relaxed and sleep as well as we do during spa weekends in Yorkshire, these tips could help you with weight loss, and get a good night’s sleep.