Prioritize Rest

As the holiday season comes to a close, we can begin winding down and I know most of us are ready for a break! Well, I am here to tell you to take it, you deserve it, and your body actually needs it! Rest is so important for many bodily processes, including keeping our hormones regulated, such as ghrelin and leptin (our ‘appetite’ hormones). Have you ever noticed you are hungrier when you are under rested, often craving carb heavy foods. This is because your body increases ghrelin levels, to induce hunger, and suppresses levels of leptin that normally help you feel full. Your body does this in the hopes of increasing your energy, as food is just that, fuel or energy. You also crave carb heavier foods because it is our preferred source of energy from calories.

When we are under rested, it affects our food choices, including the types of foods we crave and eat, how much we eat, and how often we consume them. Also, because we are lacking in sleep, we are less likely to exercise or be more physically active in general. So, prioritize your sleep, and take time to relax when you know you need to. Also, be mindful about your eating choices, whether you are consuming healthy portions, choosing healthy food options (incorporating the nutrition principals – moderation, balance, and variety), and giving time for your digestive system to catch up – by not eating after you have already eaten a meal, for example.