Each of these five key habits is important, but what’s even more important is slowly building each one into your routine until it becomes second nature — so that it sticks!
As we discussed last time, building healthy habits into your daily life is so much more wholesome, realistic, and responsible than extreme dieting. And the long-term outcome is even better. Recommitting to healthy lifestyle and eating habits not only minimizes bloat, but will also enhance your overall health and well-being for as long as these habits are yours.
The beauty of SHAPE (see sidebar) lies in the buildup. Each of these five key habits is important, but what’s even more important is slowly building each one into your routine until it becomes second nature — so that it sticks! Starting with the less-obvious habits, like sleep, hydration, and attunement, goes against the popular dieting approach, but it’s really the most effective because these habits set the stage for ultimate success.
This week, let’s zoom in on the first three steps.
We’re programmed to make better choices when we’re well rested. Without proper sleep, the body reduces production of leptin, a hormone that tells you when you’re full, and increases ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Too little sleep also causes your body to release higher levels of insulin after you eat, making you feel hungrier and promoting increased fat storage.
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