ADVERTISEMENT

The top 5 bedtime mistakes that are making you fat

If you plan on snacking later, add in some exercise during the day or downsize your dinner to compensate.

The top 5 bedtime mistakes that are making you fat

You’re working out regularly and eating healthy choices—so why is the scale still creeping up?

One possible answer to this mystery might be found in your evening routine. Banish these bedtime habits and see if the pounds start coming off.

NOT BUDGETING FOR NIGHTTIME SNACKS

If you can’t imagine watching Stranger Things without popcorn in hand, we get it—just make sure you’re counting those extra calories in your daily total.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’m not against people having something at night,” says sleep and weight loss expert Peter LePort, M.D., a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Center for Obesity at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “But if you’re having a big meal and then a big bowl of ice cream, you’re going to gain weight.”

SNACKING MINDLESSLY IN FRONT OF THE TV

Research has suggested that distracted eating not only affects how much you eat, but also how much you remember eating—which is why you can get wrapped up in a good show and suddenly find yourself holding an empty bag of chips.

Before you hit the couch, measure out an appropriate serving size of whatever you’re eating so you’ll stop when you hit the bottom of the bowl.

UNWINDING WITH A NIGHTCAP

ADVERTISEMENT

Not only is alcohol loaded with empty calories, but that glass of wine before bed can disrupt your sleep cycle.

“There’s a problem with sleep and alcohol—you’re going to end up waking up in the middle of the night and not get good sleep,” Dr. LePort says.

Research has suggested that getting insufficient sleep may interfere with your hunger hormones and makes you more likely to crave (and consume) unhealthy foods. So anything that messes with your sleep can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

CHECKING YOUR TECH BEFORE BED

The blue light emitted by the LEDs in your phone, laptop, and television can affect your sleep cycle, so it’s best to log off at least an hour before bedtime.

ADVERTISEMENT

And sleeping with the TV on is definitely not a good idea, because the light and sound can disturb you all night long.

“You’re not reaching the deep sleep you need to maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body,” Dr. LePort says. If you simply can’t drift off without the TV, at least set the sleep timer.

SETTING YOUR ALARM TOO LATE

Early mornings can be rough, but resist the urge to wake up at the last possible second if that means you’ll be racing out the door without breakfast.

Research has suggested that a high-protein breakfast may help you eat less throughout the day and gain less body fat.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you’re constantly caught off-guard by the morning rush, change both your bedtime and your wake time so you’re left with enough wiggle room in the morning for a healthy meal.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

10 latest senator styles for men

10 latest senator styles for men

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

How to block your Access bank account and ATM card

How to block your Access bank account and ATM card

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT