Sleeping to be lean

Our bodies store more calories as fat when we don’t get an adequate amount of sleep. In addition, cravings for high carbohydrate and high fat food increase as the body seeks an immediate source of energy to compensate for the sleep deprivation. And to make matters worse, many of us turn to food for “comfort” when we’re feeling poorly, such as when we’re tired. So, plan to get plenty of sleep every night, especially during times of stress. For those times when it’s not possible, try to schedule a 20-minute nap into your day. If you’re not at home, consider going out to your car for part of your lunch break, or finding a quiet place where you can close your eyes and rest your head undisturbed. (Don’t forget to set an alarm to wake you!)