The #1 Secret to losing baby weight
THE #1 SECRET TO LOSING BABY WEIGHT POST-PARTUM IS SLEEP
By Shauna Darou, ND (www.annapurnanaturopathic.com)
I’ve always said to mothers post-partum that the #1 secret to losing the baby weight is SLEEP. Below is the scientific proof. If you’re a new mom – make this a priority by going to bed earlier and napping during the day if possible. Without enough sleep your hormones are out of balance, as is your appetite. When you are sleep deprived four things happen:
- The body makes more ghrelin — the hormone that says GO, eat more;
- The body makes less leptin — the hormone that tells your body it is full;
- Your body makes more cortisol, which can increase your appetite and fat storage; and
- You burn less calories with reduction in REM sleep. During REM sleep because your mind is active, you actually burn more calories. If you are not sleeping for stretches longer than 4 hours, the REM cycles are very short.
Sleep is essential for hormone balance, mood and metabolism. If you need support to help you sleep better, please contact the clinic for more detailed suggestions. The bottom line for weight loss though is to prioritize sleep over other commitments – your metabolism will benefit!
