Relaxing the pounds away

Stressed out about losing weight? Relax. It just might help.

Those of you fighting your own, personal “battle of the bulge,” listen up! A study by Kaiser Permanente researchers suggests that diet and exercise are best coupled with sleep and relaxation to effectively lose weight. Over a period of six months, 60% of study participants who dieted, exercised, slept regularly and had decreased stress levels experienced a weight loss of at least 10 lbs. The study authors found that weight loss significantly correlated with decreased stress levels.

So after you’ve hit the gym, hit the hay. WebMD has some tips to help you get a relaxing rest.

1. Put down that cup of Joe (or at least limit your caffeine intake). Caffeine effects can take up to eight hours to wear off. Stick to morning and/or early afternoon fixes.

2. Booze is not your friend. Alcohol may make you sleepy, but it also leads to restless nights. So skip that extra pint.

3. Don’t binge before bed. Eating too much before bedtime can keep you up. Still, you shouldn’t go to bed hungry. Eat a balanced meal of such sleep-promoting foods as tuna, almonds and eggs, and you will be on your way to dreamland.

4. Give Fido his own place to sleep. We know your pet is your family, but keeping your animal in bed with you may lead to restless nights.

5. Beds are for sleeping and for sex. Watching TV, talking about serious issues and other activities many couples often do in bed can make falling asleep tough. Stick to sleeping and having sex. At least a good romp will tire you out.

We’ve always held fast to the claim that we lost weight on that last lying-around-on-the-beach vacation. But, of course, there is plenty more to staying fit — including a balanced diet and plenty of exercise — than getting a good night’s sleep. So don’t hit the snooze button on the rest of your weight-loss plan.

Tags: diet, exercise, weight loss, workout

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