Did you know that you can actually burn fat while sleeping? Even though you may be fast asleep, your body is still burning calories. Your body functions to maintain the working of your organs, the nervous system, digestion, the circulatory system and various metabolic functions. When you sleep you also burn calories but to get maximum benefit from this aspect of your metabolism you need to follow certain methods that will boost up the fat burning process during the night. Here are 8 ways to burn fat while sleeping.
1. White tea contributes to weight loss while sleeping
Studies prove that drinking white tea in the morning contributes more to the fat burning process at night. White tea is true herbal tea as it comes from the leaves of the actual tea plant camellia Sinensis.White tea undergoes minimal processing. As a result, it retains most of its nutrients making it a healthier version of tea.
2. Avoid carbs in the evening
Integral to your metabolism during sleep are the HGH or human growth hormone and IGF-1 insulin growth factor. Both these are produced at night. The presence of HGH acts as a trigger for IGF-1 production which is released b y the liver and skeletal; muscles for muscle and tissue repair. IGF-1 also shares the same receptor sites as insulin the hormone that regulates fat metabolism and carbohydrate.
High carb foods and snacks before bedtime increases the presence of insulin pushing IGF-1 aside. Consume your calories from carbohydrate during the day and avoid it as much as possible at night. This reduces insulin levels at night which helps your body burn fat.
3. Drink a protein shake or increase protein in the evening
Proteins prevent high blood sugar at night. Protein at night will help in muscle growth; repair injured or sore muscles and burn fat while sleeping. Moreover protein digestion burns more calories than any other food group. Eat protein 2 hours before sleeping because when digested it won’t spike insulin or blood sugar but will stabilize their levels before the extended fast of sleep. Protein foods to consume at night can consist of lean chicken breast, lean meat, fish and egg.
You can also opt for a light dinner and drink a protein shake with bananas because bananas are rich in magnesium and contain tryptophan, an amino acid that produces melatonin responsible for sleep which you will read about further below.
4. Eat foods rich in tryptophan at night
Foods such as turkey, chicken and eggs should be consumed at night as they contain tryptophan that contributes to better digestion and restful sleep. Moreover the protein content in such foods is high and as mentioned earlier; more calories will be burnt during protein digestion which means you burn fat while sleeping. This happens because in order to digest protein your body needs energy from calories. The absence of energy from carbs at night will make your body burn fat for fuel.
5. Sleep in darkness
Sleeping in darkness will release melatonin the hormone responsible for sleep. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and increases as evening approaches. It peaks by midnight and signals the body that it is time for rest. Light interferes with the body’s natural biological clock and inhibits the production of melatonin thus delaying sleep.
Moreover Melatonin also contributes to the production of brown fat that burns calories which means you burn fat while sleeping.
6. Drink 8 glasses of water
Adequate water keeps your body hydrated and also contributes to a healthy metabolism to burn fat. In fact ice cold water burns more calories than normal water as your body uses more calories to heat it up to body temperature.
7. Munch on walnuts and almonds
Walnuts and almonds increase melatonin for improved sleep and are also good for cardiovascular health. Almonds with milk and honey contain both magnesium and tryptophan which work as muscle relaxants. Moreover tryptophan produces melatonin which will help you sleep. If you are lactose intolerant, try soy milk instead.
8. Eat peppers
Eating peppers like cayenne pepper and chilli increases thermogenesis (fat burning) due to the ingredient called capsaicin. However it is advised to eat in moderation and to avoid spicy foods if you are prone to gastric disorders or ulcers.
You need to remember that the major focus should never be burning fat but avoid producing it. A major contributor to fat is high insulin levels at night. Avoid any sugar or dessert at night. Avoid carbs and consume a lean protein diet such as grilled chicken breasts along with a portion of green salad. In this way your growth hormone is released to burn fat while sleeping.
Check this article for more weight loss tips : 7 signs a woman isn’t eating enough to lose weight