I came across this diet that I had never heard of before. It looks simple enough.
No funny science or calorie accounting involved, just a few simple and mnemonic tricks for giving your willpower the upper hand.
There are just three rules and one exception:
No Snacks
No Sweets
No Seconds
Except (sometimes) on days that start with “S”
A glass of warm milk is NOT the way to get a good night’s sleep. You do not want to incorporate protein or fat in your diet right before bed. Here’s a list of snacks that have been scientifically proven to help you catch some shut eye.
1- Nonfat Popcorn
The carbs will induce your body to create serotonin, the feel-good hormone that makes you feel relaxed.
2- Oatmeal with Sliced Banana
Sleep is inspired by the hormone melatonin, but stress or excitement can disrupt melatonin’s release. Bring your brain back down to earth by whipping up a bowl of instant oatmeal and topping it with a sliced banana, which is rich in melatonin.
3- 1 Cup of Plain Yogurt with 2 Tablespoons of Mixed Nuts
Yogurt is one of the best food sources of lysine; nuts pack tons of arginine. Both have been proven to help people deal with stress.
Because both contain alertness-inducing protein, you’re better off eating this combo a few hours before bed (or even at midday, before a big, stressful presentation at work). It’ll reduce the residual stress you feel later in the evening, meaning you won’t replay your day over and over again in your head as you try to fall asleep.
4- A Pile of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are one of the best natural sources of tryptophan, the sleep-inducing amino acid responsible for all of those post-Thanksgiving turkey comas. Hold off on the turkey sammies, though — the protein in the turkey might offset the tryptophan’s benefit.
5- A Handful of Pretzels
Pretzels are a source of carbohydrates, which make you feel sleepy, but since they’re also low in calories and fat, they won’t pack on the pounds or give you belly-aching indigestion.
6- 1 Glass of Wine
It’s called a nightcap for a reason — a glass of wine really does take the edge off. University of Toronto researchers discovered that one alcoholic drink causes people’s blood vessels to relax — but two begins to reverse the effects, so limit your intake. Relaxed blood vessels means lower blood pressure, slower heart rate, and greater ability to relax in general. You can protect your heart and prevent diseases, from cancer to Alzheimer’s, by eating certain foods.
7- A 4-ounce Glass of Unsweetened Cherry Juice
Cherry juice has serotonin-inducing carbohydrates, which will help relax you. Down the cherry juice an hour before bedtime in case you feel a small jolt of energy from the sugar. There’s not enough to keep you up all night or to destabilize your blood-sugar levels.
8- Red Bell Peppers
Researchers at the University of Alabama fed rats 200 milligrams of vitamin C twice a day and found that it nearly stopped the secretion of cortisol, a hormone released in your body when you’re stressed. Calorie for calorie, red bell peppers give you more vitamin C than any other vegetable or fruit.
According to MSN.Lifestyle
The easiest way to avoid sabotaging your diet is by having healthy snacks prepared ahead of time. With these snacks on the go ideas you’ll be prepared the next time that hunger strikes.
At work:
-bring fruits and vegetables and avoid the vending machines.
-On a a plane, train, etc
-bring nuts that are high in protein and easy to pack.
-On a Road Trip
Pack fiber rich granola bars to avoid a fast food stop.
-At the gym
Grab an energy bar that is low in fat and calories, but high in fiber to give you the energy you need to feel the burn.
-At the movies
Save money and calories by bringing light microwave popcorn
-At the mall
Have a protein rich light cheese stick for a yummy snack outside the food court
The fastest way to slip down is to boost up your metabolism so you can burn off the calories.
“Research has shown that your metabolism can stay revved by 25 percent for up to 15 hours after a high-intensity strength session. Plus, regular resistance training helps keep your metabolic fires ignited daily,” notes Michele S. Olson, PhD, an exercise physiologist at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama.
This workout focuses on a slower lowering phase for each exercise, which will then force your muscles to work harder.
Here are some snacks that taste great and will rev up your metabolism.
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