Sleep and Weight Loss

We hear it all the time, “sleep is essential,” but “there are never enough hours in the day” and, because of our busy lives, we often lose sleep. Recently, lack of sleep has been linked to obesity. In a study done at Laval University in Quebec, researchers studied the sleeping patterns of two hundred and seventy-six people and how it affected their waistlines. Over a six year period, those who slept 5 to 6 hours a night were 35% percent more likely to gain 11 pounds more than those who slept 7 to 8 hours. They also gained 58% more around their waist and 124% more body fat than those who slept 7-8 hours. Lack of sleep deprives the body of needed rest, slows the metabolism, and makes most of us want to eat more. So get to bed early, and sleep for at least 7 hours. You’ll wake up feeling rested, which will increase your energy, lessen stress, and hopefully get you motivated for a good workout session!

Previously pubished in my article "Mom Was Right: Why Listening to Mom May Help You Lose Weight" to read the full article go to http://www.protraineronline.com/past/May-Jun08/article7.cfm

Taste Tester

While shopping at Publix a couple days ago I "discovered" Attune ; a chocolate wellness bar. I agonized over purchasing this bar since I have never seen it advertised. But I decided to give it a try and look at it as research.

When I arrived home I Googled Attune, which lead me to the Attune Foods Website. Where I was able to take my investigation a bit further. Apparently, these chocolate bars are

• 5x more live active cultures than yogurt
  
• an excellent source of calcium
  
• only 90-100 calories (depending on the flavor)
  
• good for "on-the-go" snacks
  
• Delicious!!
  

I am now in love with this product. It comes in several different flavors (Chocolate Crisp, Dark Chocolate, Mint Chocolate,and Blueberry Vanilla). To top it off they are now made with vegan and gluten-free ingredients. They also have granola probiotic(probiotics are good bacteria in your digestive tract) wellness bars (which I have yet to try).

If you would like to try Attune, you can find it in the yogurt section of your local supermarket. I recommend the Chocolate Crisp, it tastes so good you won't believe that it's good for you. Just remember to calculate the 100 calories into your daily caloric intake.

As a fitness professional, I believe that it is important to test and research certain products, especially "healthy" foods. So I will continue to do research and taste tests on products that claim to be healthy and tasty; so keep checking back for my reviews....and if there is a particular product or food item you'd like more information about please feel free to contact me.

Updates

So, it's been awhile since I have posted to any of my blogs. Sorry!

Things have been pretty busy. I have partnered with another Personal Trainer and a Nutritionist and we are in the process of starting a new total wellness company.

One thing that I am excited about is our Wellness Parties or Healthy Parties that we will be holding! I will write more about the a bit later. I am also in the process of moving and that in itself is a bit overwhelming. I will post a couple of exercises on here to make up for the weeks I have missed.

I have added a couple features to this blog. One, is links to my articles, which can be found to the left of the screen. The other is a BMI Calculator which is at the very bottom of the screen. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog as well! By doing so you will get all the latest updates, tips, and maybe even a couple free sessions.

If you live in the Broward County, Miami/Dade County area and would like a free consultation/session you can contact me by e-mail at trudy.dacosta@gmail.com or you can go to my web-site http://www.ftlauderdalefit.webs.com/ and feel out the Contact Form.