In a previous post, I mentioned the diseases that result from or are exacerbated by prolonged periods of sleep loss.  Namely, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even death.  Short term affects include moodiness, anxiety, increased chances of having an accident and lack of focus.

So if counting sheep isn't working for you, you may want to try one of these natural remedies.  It's best to try one at a time.  That way you'll know which one is working.

• Chelated Magnesium - acts as a natural muscle relaxer, 500 mgs/day
• Wild lettuce (supplement) - calms restlessness, reduces anxiety, 30-120 mgs before bed
• Hops (supplement) - the same hops found in beer, this supplement helps with anxiety and insomnia, 30-120 mgs
• Aromatherapy - pure lavender spritzed on your pillow case before bed induces relaxation
• Hot water bottle - placed at your feet draws the energy down out of your head to your feet
• Melatonin - a natural hormone that controls sleep, low doses recommended to supplement at 0.3 - 0.5 mgs
• Yoga-Meditation/Prayer - gentle stretches followed by meditation or prayer with deep, abdominal breathing
• Suntheanine (supplement or food) - L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that increases energy during the day and a sense of calm at night, 50-200 mgs
• Valerian - improves deep sleep and helps induce sleep, 200-800 mgs before bed.  Valerian can have an energizing effect.  If that happens, take in the morning rather than at night.

Questions? Leave a comment, email us at kat@YourInfiniteWellness.com or visit Health.com for more information.  Sweet dreams!
  

Did you know there are a lot of foods that naturally burn fat? How great is that?  All we have to do to start losing weight is to eat these foods that have natural fat burning properties.  Here are a few to incorporate into your diet to help you on your way to losing weight naturally.

Apples, berries, broccoli, cabbage and citrus fruits: Foods high in Vitamin C liquefy fat and help the body flush out toxins.

Apples and berries: Contain pectin, an insoluble dietary fiber shown to reduce blood cholesterol leves and restrict the amount of fat that our cells can absorb. So if the cells can’t absorb the fat, they’re forced to expel the fatty deposits which results in weight loss.  

Broccoli, cabbage, milk, cheese and yogurt: Are calcium rich foods that help with natural weight loss because they speed up the process of breaking down the fat content of fat cells.

Eggs, lean meat, fish (tuna, salmon and sardines) and unprocessed, unsalted nuts:  High quality protein helps lose weight because it’s a natural fat burner.  It also helps reduce cravings and binge
eating which aids in weight loss.  
 
Garlic:  Reduces fatty deposits and has many health promoting qualities.  
   
Green tea:  Burns fat and boosts metabolism which helps your body operate more efficiently.  It’s also high in natural anti-oxidants, has cancer fighting properties and reduces heart disease.

Hot peppers: Turn up the heat!  Hot peppers speed up metabolism and helps burn more calories.

Olive oil: Helps to keep your cholesterol levels down and is a major fat burning food.

Water:  Cleanses the body, hydrates the skin and flushes toxins out the system. For a diet of fat burning foods to work efficiently and aid natural weight loss, it’s important to stay properly hydrated. Our bodies are made up of 70% water and needs to be replenished every day.  The general rule of thumb is ½ your weight in ounces per day.

Whole grains and oatmeal: contain fat-absorbing fiber, which not only keeps you feeling full and energized but also increases metabolism by burning fat and calories.

Incorporate these fat burning foods into your diet and natural weight loss will come easily to you!