Comments on: Get More Sleep

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:36:54 +0000

Day #8 of the detox: was thinking a cup of coffee sounded good this evening (5:00 ish) so indulged. Just one. It is now 3:29 a.m., and I am still wide awake. So much for the “get adequate sleep” thing! Was awake most of the night LAST night. . . um. . . “eliminating”. . . . insides are finally getting back to being happy with me I think.Sweets have been the hardest to give up, but have found dates and grapes to be my new friends. (I’m vegan almost a year now, so there wasn’t a lot for me to give up but grains and sugar, which I limited anyway), but funny how you think you want something the minute you know you’re not supposed to. Over all, things are going fine. Dropping some weight, I can tell already. And have more stamina during my workouts! Hmmmm. . . . ??? Am thinking I may be on my way to becoming a raw foodist!!!!! After second thought. . . maybe I’ll wait on that decision.

By: Stress management tips

Stress management tips — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:32:22 +0000

Sleep is most essential factor in each person. On average, people need around eight hours sleep a night but it’s depending on that person’s age. If we are regularly short of sleep, then our concentration and our effectiveness suffer and our energy levels decline and can increase stress, we loose our concentration, we start to make mistakes. As our energy declines, we become less proactive. This means that a situation that is already difficult and stressful can become worse. Make sure you get enough sleep. If you have become used to being tired all the time, you will be surprised by how intelligent and energetic you will feel once you start sleeping normally.

By: Great links for the weekend!

Great links for the weekend! — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:10:21 +0000

[...] sleep, including the fact that Dan John recommends more sleep for weight loss. Here’s some good advice on getting more [...]

By: Mike OD

Mike OD — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:04:39 +0000

@Paula – If your energy levels are bad, that is probably a sign of low blood sugar (which many with insulin resistance issues may have). Try a piece of fruit to see if that gives you the boost you need, as being tired is of course not the goal. As for the nuts, yes they do pack a BIG calorie load especially when you are not keeping track. Try to not snack as much (as mindless snacking is not as good as mindful eating of 3 meals) or choose other options like celery/apples to fill you up. More calories will of course not lead to weight loss unless you are really active enough to effectively use those additional calories. Keep up the great work!

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:11:35 +0000

@MelodyIt’s interesting reading the range of experiences here. I am feeling much the same way. I ate very cleanly before, but with this program ditched dairy (missed my yummy organic home-made cultured butter), grains (used to only eat brown rice, and once in awhile ww toast), the spoon of sugar I had in coffee in am, and also eggs…I think I might have a problem with eggs, so this was the opportunity to try. I didn’t completely ditch the caffeine, had one cup of lemongrass/green tea in the morning, which at first was completely unsatisfying, but now I’m actually looking forward to it; haven’t reintroduced coffee. Anyhow, my energy levels are horrible, I feel exhausted, drained and dragged out. No problem sleeping 8-10 hours! I think I’ve actually gained weight, according to feel of the pants, but pretty sure this is due to snacking on too many nuts…Last time I found a good deal on raw nuts, bought a few big bags, and gained 10lbs. I’ve been using nuts for breakfasts, and snacks, perhaps going a bit overboard. I’m going to try using them for breakfast, and snacking more on veg. As for exercise, I get out x-c and downhill skiing fairly regularly, but there have been two days I’ve missed exercise, will have to try doing something indoors on occasions I can’t get out, I like the advice of ramping up the workouts.

By: Mike T Nelson

Mike T Nelson — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:36:19 +0000

Great info on sleep and good tips!While I love my coffee, I have found that I need 9-9.5 hours of sleep a night to be optimal. Most need more sleep than they think!Keep up the great work!rock onMike T Nelson PhD(c)

By: Mike OD

Mike OD — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:02:56 +0000

@Melody – #1 would be to understand that there really is no “rapid weight loss” to happen, unless you want to count doing a carb/glycogen depletion (and water that goes with it). So many things push “quick weight loss” in the mainstream, when the reality is “long term weight loss” is mostly slow and steady (such as 1-2lbs a week depending on how much you have to lose, as it can be more). But that is the permanent weight loss which is more important (as most bragging about quick weight loss just always gain it right back…Oprah is a prime example). Establishing a lifetime plan of healthy eating that is sustainable is the way to get it done and keep it off. Keep up the great work so far and I know you will not be dissapointed in the long run! Also you can up your workouts a tad to help out (such as a bit more intensity during a weight/interval session or a bit more activity afterwards such as walking).

By: Jenn

Jenn — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:54:22 +0000

@Melody – I am in a similar boat….I suspected I was eating too much – not sure why I would on the challenge, since I usually eat only meats, vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. Anyways, the pants are feeling a bit looser this week (although I haven’t put my jeans back on that were so tight last weekend). Haven’t weighed, so I’m not sure where I’m at weight-wise.I’m guessing that since I predominantly eat this way anyway – there’s very little water to lose….that might be your case too if you eat cleanly except for the afternoon snack. It might also have to do with how much you weigh (if you’re close to your goal weight, it’ll come of slower) and body structure. It might just take another week or so to kick in – giving your body time to adjust. I wish I had more concrete answers – but I’m learning there really aren’t any – at least for me.Good luck!

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:43:20 +0000

Thanks Thania!Spain’s beautiful, right? Always wanted to visit.

By: Thania

Thania — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:24:40 +0000

@SamZucchini cream soup:1lb of zucchini1 onion1 oz nuts ( almond, walnut ot cashew)100ml full cream2-3 tbs olive oilthymesalt and pepper700ml chicken or vegetable stockIn a pan fry the chopped onion in olive oil until golden then add chopped zuccchini and sautee for 2-3 min.Add the rest of ingredients except cream, bring to boil then lower the heat and cook for 30 min.Let it cool a bit then make the cream with an electric arm or food processor , adjust salt and pepper , add the full cream.It can be served hot or cold ,