Trying to win the battle of the bulge?

HOW FINDING THE BALANCE WITH SLEEP AND STRESS CAN GET YOU FLAT, FAST!!!!!

The Stress Factor

Studies show that the stress hormone, cortisol (which we release when we are anxious) causes our bodies to store fatty deposits around our tummies and waists. This is a defence mechanism from hundreds-even-thousands of years ago when we needed fat to keep us alive because we were never sure where our next meal was coming from. Nowadays, we are unlikely to be short of food but Mother Nature does not know this, so when we get anxious and cortisol fluids flood our body, it makes sure we have enough padding around our midsection to deal with whatever stress is heading our way. Being stressed all the time is like sticking an extra couple of centimetres of fat on your tummy.

Sleep Yourself Slim

How you sleep has a huge impact on your appetite and the foods you choose. After a good nights' sleep your body is happy with (and craves) clean and lean food - good quality protein, dark green vegies, oily fish, nuts, seeds, oils and berries. After a night of poor sleep, your body craves sugar, fat and caffeine, which quickly but briefly prop up your energy levels. All this means is more fat on the tummy, crashing lows, a sugar addiction and poor sleep patterns.

We have come along way since going to bed when the sun sets and waking up when it rises. But his is how our bodies were designed to function. Our modern lifestyle puts extra stress on the body, which is bad news for the waistline. It is estimated that we will consume an extra 2352 kilojoules after a bad night's sleep.

Another hormone called Leptin tells your brain when your stomach is full, and helps control appetite and metabolism. Not sleeping properly disrupts this hormone, which is why you eat more when you're sleep deprived. Here's how to tweak your sleep for a flatter stomach....

Suggested new sleep routine.....

• Impose an "Electronic Sundown" - In the hour or two before bed, you should turn of your laptop, TV, Mobile Phone and keep the lights low.
• Check Your Windows - If you have allergies be sure the windows are closed during pollen season.
• Sleep with the Seasons - In the winter, we need more sleep due to our internal body clock.
• Take Power Naps - If you can't fall asleep, just have a 15 minute lie down with no gadgets or magazines.
• Try Binaural Beats - Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, a 19th Century physicist, discovered that these beats influence and encourage the brain to fall asleep. You can download the sounds on to your iPod or you can buy Binaural CD's.
• Block out the light - A blackout blind is a simple lining that doesn’t let any sunlight, street lights or lights from passing traffic into your bedroom. Failing that, buy an eye mask and pop it on just before you go to sleep.
• Avoid Confrontations - If you’re annoyed with your partner or children about something, write it down on a notepad next to your bed, and promise yourself you will deal with it in the morning.
• Establish a Routine - Do something relaxing every night  before bed then go to sleep at the same time (give or take 30minutes)
• Listen to Bach - Studies show that classical music calms the brain. Listening to it during dinner will also slow down your eating.
• Stretch - Stretching will help to lower your cortisol levels, and release any tension from the day.
• Eat Magnesium Rich Foods - Try broccoli, spinach, nuts and whole grains - they will help the body sleep.
• Have Sex - Your body will release endorphins, which calm you down and induces sleep.

ARTICLE FROM MARIE CLARE MAGAZINE - WELLNESS INSIDER TIPS