Review:

1. Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Aim for half your body weight in ounces.
2. Eat less by using smaller plates.
3. Move.  Don’t have to kill yourself, just move. Exercise during commercial breaks instead of sitting on the couch. Be active.
4. Be courageous. It takes courage to admit you aren’t where you want to be and to take the steps to get to where you want to be.

Sleep. Sleep and sleep. You have to make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep for you. I know what is recommended, 7-8 hours a night, but it varies from person to person. I know I seem to function better with 5-6. Others can’t function without 9-10. The more I sleep, the more tired I feel. If I sleep 9 hours, I feel tired all day. Listen to your body. Sleep helps your brain. Sleep helps your body recover and repair your muscles from your workout. I know from my experience and my wife’s experiences and my active children’s experiences that we do not have a problem falling asleep. We are active and by the time 9:30-10:00 hits, we are ready for bed and we fall asleep quick.

What happens when you don’t get enough sleep? You are too tired to be active. Your mind says sleep instead of work out. Your body will crave unhealthy choices (sugar, energy drinks, etc.) to try to stay awake. What do you usually eat late at night while watching a movie or something? Junk food.

Anyway, here are some articles for you to check out. Have a blessed and active week.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/20/sleep-loss-weight-gain/7507503/

http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/why-sleep-no-1-most-important-thing-better-body

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/9-reasons-to-sleep-more

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/sleep-athletic-performance