Get more sleep - Lose more weight

Researchers are saying that if you want to lose weight, get more sleep. While it’s obvious that you aren’t as likely to eat while you’re sleeping, their reasoning is quite different: a chemical that is released while sleeping, leptin, signals when we are full. In addition, they think that a lack of proper sleep affects hormones that are responsible for burning off calories during the day.

The study that attempts to prove this hypothesis was conducted by the US National Institute of Mental Health and involved around 500 adults between the ages of 27 and 40. The researchers followed these volunteers and their sleeping habits over a period of 13 years and found their sleep hours reduced, but their weight increased.

The women in the study started off sleeping 7.7 hours, but by the end of the 13 years, they were only sleeping 7.3 hours on average. The men in the study went from sleeping 7.1 hours to 6.9 hours. The average weight gain was 5 pounds, with those sleeping less than six hours putting on the most weight.

The researchers felt that the weight gain was due to lack of sleep that tampered with the body’s natural chemicals and hormones. Low levels of leptin are thought to increase the urge to eat. Also, people who are not getting enough sleep tend to crave high fat, high carbohydrate foods.



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True Sex Foods and Aphrodesiacs

Most everyone has heard that certain foods can enhance one’s sex life. Usually these foods are sexual aphrodisiacs, such as oysters and champagne, though a new book, “Great Food, Great Sex: The Three Food Factors for Sexual Fitness” by Ballentine Books, takes a whole new approach to food and sex. The author, clinical psychologist Lynn Edlen-Nezin, Ph.D., takes the stance that certain nutrients are better for sex, because they increase blood flow and supply the body with antioxidants. Instead of eating foods as aphrodisiacs, she suggests eating well all of the time to ensure that your body is energetic, well lubricated and healthy.

An important item mentioned to increase sexual pleasure is Nitric oxide (NO). NO is released by the lining of the genitals when you become sexually aroused. This release of NO causes the blood vessels to expand and helps women become lubricated, while it helps men achieve an erection. Eating foods with arginine, an amino acid responsible for creating NO, can improve blood flow and cardiovascular health. The author calls foods high in arginine ‘Staminators’, because they help with prolonged arousal. For foods high in argininie, look to almonds, nuts, salmon, herring, cod and halibut.

Eating fish is not only good for arginine, but can also offer Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are known to lower triglycerides, increase dopamine and improve cardiovascular health. All good things for the sexual libido. If you are vegetarian, try eggs with Omega-3’s.

Another important factor in a sex-healthy diet is antioxidants. Antioxidants keep your body and cells healthy by cleaning up free radicals and keeping your body free of oxidation. Antioxidant-rich foods include colorful foods, such as red peppers, garlic, broccoli, beets and berries. Eating a variety of organic fruits and vegetables can supply the body with antioxidants and keep you healthy, happy and sexual.

Another great food for great sex? Dark chocolate! It improves circulation, offers antioxidants and has been found to increase sexual function and desire.

Basically, for a better sex life: take care of your body, eat healthy and light, and exercise. Keeping your body functioning at a high level will improve your sex drive and send your energy soaring.

Here’s the shopping list:

Colorful Fruits
Colorful Vegetables
Lean Fish
Garlic
Dark Chocolate




Beta Carotene
Biotin
Carnitine
Choline
Inositol
Lecithin
Copper