Our bodies use sleep to repair and strengthen our muscles, joints and other parts that get tired and damaged through use and exertion during waking hours.
This restorative process uses energy to rebuild lean muscle mass and to help rebuild other kinds of body tissue. That is worth repeating — this rebuilding process uses energy — and if the rebuilding process is running smoothly and efficiently, that energy comes from places in our body where energy is stored — from fat.
In other words, the body rebuilds tissue, organs, bone, and lean muscle by burning fat.
Several things about this process are worth noting. They have an important bearing on how efficiently it works.
Collagen is very important to the body repair process…
Collagen is the most common protein found in our bodies. It is the main component of our skin, nails, bones, cartilage, and connective tissue and is found in all of the body organs. Cartilage is the cushion and shock absorber between joints, and the reason we stay flexible and mobile. Healthy cartilage is constantly being regenerated by the body naturally and this process contributes to keeping us youthful and flexible.
As we age, our bodies lose the ability to produce collagen at sufficient levels needed to support the deep restorative sleep processes that our bodies are designed to perform. This can be a major contributor that leads to a premature aged appearance and can definitely affect our flexibility and mobility. It stands to reason that a collagen supplement combined with other natural ingredients can have a dramatic effect in better supporting the deep restorative sleep process. This in turn can allow the body to experience more energy, build more lean muscle, and burn more fat.
I’m not a big supplement take however, collagen is one I now take and this brand was actually recommended to me by my son!! So I’m sharing it with you if you ‘d like to explore your options and hey who doesn’t want to support there skin, hair, nails and of course gut with a natural product?
Not eating before sleeping is very important…
Since the body uses deep sleep for the restoration process, it is important when using a collagen supplement not to eat three hours before going asleep. This is because we don’t want nutrient competition between undigested food and the collagen supplement special nutrient formula itself.
If the body has to concern itself with digestion it will not absorb the collagen formula properly. Therefore your body will not be performing its natural restorative process while you sleep, but rather will be concerned with undigested foods and will actually be storing fat from the continuing digestive process rather than burning fat as the energy for the deep sleep restorative process.
This tends to put us into a “diet circle of frustration”. The less time your body spends in deep restful sleep (without competing digestion), the less time it has to restore its natural health, and the less fat that is burned in support of this natural rebuilding process. Now we understand the key connection between deep restorative sleep and weight loss many times goes hand in hand with our overall health.
Reducing or eliminating the intake of food three hours before bedtime allows the body to use its natural fat reserves for metabolic fuel during the deep restorative sleep cycle.
When you take the time to understand how your body works but also what works for you body then you are in an empowered position to make healthy choices.
Healthy choices lead to weight loss and a healthier version of you! Bonus!
Be Healthy, Happy & Amazing!
Caroline x. 🥑💙
x
]]>
Sleep is the best meditation for your mind and your body.
We now know from research that when you sleep waste is cleared from your brain, your body’s cells are reenergised, your learning and memories are supported and your libido, mood and appetite are all regulated.
When we sleep, the momentum of our thousands of daily thoughts subsides, Negative Nancy and all her negative comments shuts up for a while, allowing your mind rest…
We can’t underestimate the importance of a good nights sleep.
A night of peaceful, deep and quality sleep is a blessing that only the sleep deprived and insomniacs can truly appreciate. To have not just one, but plenty of your nights filled with rest and sleep, try adding following foods to your diet, especially if you find yourself tossing and turning in your bed at night instead of sleeping.
Let’s Take A Look At Foods to Help You Sleep…
- Chamomile:
Chamomile tea is a popular sleep-inducing tea that helps eliminate stress and anxiety. Before you go to bed, take a moment to sip a warm cup of chamomile herbal tea to relax, unwind and de-stress. Practice some deep breathing while you’re at it, to help bring you into a more rested state. A minimum of 6 breaths pulls you across for stress to rest!
- Pistachios:
Pistachios are not only tasty, but they are a jackpot for sleep. They are jam packed with magnesium, protein, and vitamin B6, which have a major role in inducing sleep. You can eat them raw, a small handful is perfect. However, if you over indulge pistachios will have a reverse effect on your body; eat in moderation to avoid exacerbating your sleep issues.
3. Tart cherry juice:
This juice contains high levels of melatonin, which is responsible for inducing sleep in your body. It can improve the quality of your sleep by regulating your body’s sleep cycles. A study conducted by Louisiana State University found that by insomniacs who drank tart cherry juice increased their sleep time by 90 minutes!
4. Bananas:
This fruit is a powerhouse of magnesium and potassium, which serve as natural sleep aids for your body. If you are feeling wide awake late into the night, try a banana to get yourself to sleep. You can even whip yourself up a thick sugar-free banana shake before you go to bed. If weight loss is on your agenda then I would rethink the banana!
5. Walnuts:
Walnuts contain an amino acid called tryptophan that helps induce and enhance sleep. This amino acid is responsible for the production of melatonin and serotonin, which improve the quality of our sleep by regulating the sleep cycles. The best part about walnuts is that they contain melatonin, so they are not only helping in the production of melatonin, but they add a little more to help you fall asleep even faster.
6. Pumpkin seeds:
A cup of pumpkin seeds contains around 420 mg of magnesium, which is around the daily recommendation . Magnesium is also a sleep-inducing agent for your body. If you cannot find any, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds or sunflower seeds are great substitutions.
The search for the elusive “good night’s sleep” can be frustrating and exhausting, particularly if your hormones are out of whack!
When your hormones are not ‘in flow’ then your sleep, your moods, your hunger turn into your own personal battle ground.
Sound familiar?
Before you reach for any man made synthetic over-the-counter sleep aid, try some of these natural remedies, yes REAL food, to get your body on the right path to sound sleep!
Sleep is a hugely important tool in your weight loss tool box. If you would like to learn more about dropping the kilos, don’t hesitate to connect with me!
Be Healthy, Happy & Amazing!
Caroline xx
]]>