Sleep More and Lose Weight?

A new study released in the Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed two groups of people striving to lose weight. One group was randomly assigned to sleep 5.5 hours per night and the other group was to sleep 8.5 hours per night for 2 weeks. The study discovered the group with less sleep had higher levels of hormones that increase appetite levels. However, the study was fairly small and both groups lost weight - not scientific enough to prove anything - but the New York Times reported:

"The bottom line is that if people are trying to diet and lose weight for health reasons, it makes sense to get a sufficient amount of sleep," said Dr. Plamen D. Penev, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago and the senior author of the study. "If they're not getting enough sleep as they diet, they may have higher levels of hunger and be struggling to adhere to the regimen."

Several other studies have linked sleep with weight loss/gain based on the hormones and chemicals our bodies produce during vital sleep periods - and without the proper amount of sleep the right hormone levels may not be produced. Another theory is that without enough sleep, we are more tired, less likely to exercise as we have less energy and drag through the day - or rely on stimulants which end up depleting adrenal glands in the long run.

Who knows exactly why sleep assists in weight loss - but I think we're all looking for a good excuse to get more sleep anyway and this study can help us not feel guilty for hitting the snooze button a couple more times.

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2023632,00.html

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• Lose weight by sleeping well, researchers say (independent.co.uk)

Finding the Best Weight Loss Program for You!

How do you go about finding the best weight loss program for you?

First you should ask yourself some questions. How much money do I have to invest in a weight loss program? How much time do I have to exercise and prepare meals? Do I want to have my meals come pre-packaged or would I rather cook for myself? Do I need to prepare meals for work or being away from home, or do I eat every meal at home? Would I prefer organic or vegan meals or do I want to include meats and processed foods in my diet?

Once you have a good picture of what you want, then begin asking questions to others. Find friends or online forums where people have had success with their weight loss programs. What did they like about the program? Did they feel they would have had more success with a different weight loss strategy? What did they feel were the drawbacks for the system they chose?

Make a chart and include the things you absolutely require, as well as a section for things that you would like to have in your weight loss program. Then as you analyze each system for losing weight, you can mark off what items are included in each. After spending a few days accessing all of the available programs, you should easily be able to see a pattern and find the best weight loss program for you.

Weight Loss Spa

Weight Loss Spas - The Luxurious Option Women Love

By: Cornell Dayne

When people think about weight loss programs, or losing weight in general, the images that come to mind are of overweight people sweating it out in gyms, huffing and puffing around the track, and carefully counting calories in kitchens across America. But not everyone fights the battle of the bulge alone. Weight loss spas are quickly becoming the newest dieting trend since Weight Watchers!

For those who have the time and the money, weight loss spas offer a luxurious, calming alternative to traditional weight loss programs.  Surrounded by magnificent natural settings and with a full-time staff of people to assist you, it means you can come back from a vacation thinner than when you left. Let’s take a look at some of the more exciting weight loss spas available today.

If you’re stuck in a cold climate and are dreaming of—and dreading at the same time—bikini weather, you can head down to sunny, warm Florida. Even in the depths of winter in the rest of the country, Florida is going strong all winter long with many kinds of weight loss spas to choose from.

Remember Pritikin? It wasn’t just a diet fad way back when (over 100,000 people have benefited from its health and wellness program at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Aventura, Florida). They have a full menu of spa services as well as stress management workshops, one-on-one counseling with physicians, and education classes lead by nationally acclaimed nutritionists, scientists, and lifestyle counselors.

If your darling husband is also looking for a getaway, why not choose the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida? Let him hit the links, while you treat yourself to a full spa makeover, including exercise programs that will jump-start your diet.

For those of you further out west, the Eden Valley Institute Lifestyle Center in lovely Loveland, Colorado has everything you could want in a weight loss spa, from cooking classes to vegan diet counseling to more spa-like features like massage and weight management. They even have smoking-cessation programs.

Want to combine your weight loss spa trip with some real traveling, as well as kick the luxury up a notch? Stobo Castle in Scotland is a 19th century beauty that combines beauty treatments with weight loss management in a stunning setting that will make you want to stay forever.

The Caribbean has gotten into the act as well, with the CuisinArt Report and Spa in Anguilla, British West Indies. It’s very exclusive, with only 20 guests at any one session. Your meals come from the resort's hydroponic farm, and exercise classes include long walks on the pristine beaches.

For a trip south of the border, those in the southwest might enjoy a “health vacation” in Melaque, Mexico, which features aerobics classes held in the sea, yoga, massages, and healthy juices made fresh to order.

Up north in Alberta, Canada is the home of the Abundant Life Wellness Centre. They host a 10 to 14 day advanced “whole body detox” and cleansing retreat, which features a six-day juice fast to get you started right.

If you look online, you’re sure to find a weight loss spa that fits your lifestyle, your budget and your location. If you need a jump-start getting that weight off or if you just need a vacation that helps as well as relaxes you, then weight loss spas are your answer.

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