On the road to better health

Here's a plan that could propel me forward:

Exercise to fight snacking and to reduce stress. Sleep earlier and longer. Eat only nutrient dense foods and drink water.

Cutting out the midnight snacking is helping. I made up my mind a few months ago that if I had to eat something, it would be a simple piece of fruit. Most nights I don't snack at all, and since I'm eating less, my body doesn't have to expend so much energy digesting while I'm sleeping. It can do the work of rebuilding and repairing as well as removing toxins more effectively.

I am the ultimate night owl. I have been sleep deprived for many years. I just get things done late at night and enjoy my sanity time while children are asleep. I have a feeling that I am paying a dear price for living so many years on 4 hours of sleep a night. In addition, I read that when we don't sleep enough or don't sleep during the night time hours when our bodies are programmed to sleep, we tend to retain weight. There's been a lot of talk about cortisol and such things. I only know that the simple combination of more rest and less snacking has to be a winner!

I read this and copied it, but missed getting the source... so I'm sorry I can't give credit. It just reinforces so many things that I need to do:

"New studies show that exercise is your best ally in the fight against snacking. It’s simple, regular physical activity reduces stress; by reducing stress, you reduce cravings."

So, more activity for me should help to generate a positive cycle in my daily living. Exercise, less snacking, nutrient dense meals, more rest, exercise, less snacking, nutrient dense meals, more rest... I'll see if I can get this going and keep it up!!

December was 153 pounds, July is a steady 139 pounds so far. I'll keep you posted!

What positive cycle would you like to create in your day?