22. Sleep more – make more leptin and less ghrelin, the appetite stimulating hormone AKA, the fat maker, or the “couch potato – shut down the metabolism – hormone”.
Research published in the Public Library of Science journal found that people who logged fewer than five hours of slumber had lower levels of leptin, a hormone that controls how full you feel, than those who snoozed for eight. What’s more, the sleep-deprived also had higher levels of ghrelin, another hormone that stimulates appetite. “When you’re exhausted, you feel hungrier and less satisfied after meals, which can set the stage for weight gain,” says Richter.
To make sure you get plenty of sleep, set an alarm for an hour before your usual bedtime as a reminder to start winding down. If you can’t stop ruminating about the 1,001 things you still have to accomplish before the week ends, make a list before turning in and keep it on your bedside table. Putting your worries and tasks on paper will help you clear your mind—so you can start dreaming about how you’ll look in that slinky New Year’s dress!
Find more holiday weight loss tips at Shape.com.
