Our Lady of Weight Loss | motivation: the kick in the tush club

I divide my time as follows: half the time I sleep, the other half I dream.
I never dream when I sleep, for that would be a pity, for sleeping is the highest accomplishment of genius.
~ Soren Kierkegaard (1813–1855), Danish philosopher. “Diapsalmata,” vol. 1, Either/Or (1843, trans. 1987)

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Need to lose a pound or two?
Push the snooze button.

A series of studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that sleep plays a crucial part in weight loss.

Lack of sleep disrupts the production of a series of important metabolic and hormonal processes that control our fat to muscle ratio.

FATOID

The International Journal of Obesity performed a study that showed people who sleep for more than nine hours each day are less likely to be overweight than those sleeping six hours or less.

Lack of sleep also lowers the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) associated with deep sleep, which then causes our body to produce higher levels of cortisol and leptin. These hormones regulate our metabolism and let us know when we are full.

In other words, people who are sleep-deprived tend to crave high carbohydrate, high fat food –
no matter how full they may be – and are less likely to pay careful attention to their weight loss/exercise goals.

Having trouble sleeping?

- Limit your caffeine intake (coffee, tea and chocolate!).
- Limit alcohol and do NOT drink right before bedtime.
It may make you sleepy, however, alcohol disrupts REM sleep.
- Create a relaxing bedtime ritual – light candles and incense, meditate, think healthy thoughts.
- Or take a hot bath, breathe deep, listen to restful music.
- Eliminate nighttime worry. Shelve the negative thoughts for the morning!
-Take your siesta early in the day; not too close to nighttime.

LINKS

Righteous Recipe - Ginger-Lemon Chicken
Thanks to Jane T. from Montclair, NJ for sharing her fabulous recipe!

12 oz. chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1/3 c. coarsely cut fresh cilantro
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger
grated peel of 1/2 lemon
2 cloves minced garlic
juice from 1/2 lemon
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. olive oil

Combine ingredients in a food processor and then baste on the chicken as it broils.
About six minutes per side.

Want to whip up another dish?
Send Our Lady your favorite recipe? Keep them easy, low-cal and FUN.

Last week's Fruitful query:
Who is the American cellist, born 1955 in Paris, who is known for his extraordinarily broad repertoire, ravishing tone, superb musicianship, and dazzling technique?

Congratulations to Nancy K., NYC, who was the first to enlighten Our Lady.
YES, Yo-Yo Ma is the correct answer.

Chewing the Fat

How you doin'? Write Our Lady.

Dear OLofWL, Honest to Goodness, I feel hungry. I am sticking to my plan, but it's just not enough food. I want to stay steady the course, but fighting these empty feelings is exhausting. ~ Haunted by Hunger, Toronto, Canada

Dear Haunted by Hunger, Since I don't know you well, and since you haven't mentioned the plan you are on, I'll make a few suggestions that I hope will be helpful. If you want to send more information, please do so. Here goes!

We often mistake thirst for hunger, so make sure you are drinking enough - water, tea, club soda. Be sure to eat breakfast (see KICK # 27). AND bulk up on vegetables. One of my favorites bulk items is fresh baby carrots dipped in mustard sauce. You used the words 'empty feelings' in your letter. Maybe the hunger has to do with some empty feelings, if you get my drift. Something to think about while you are munching on carrots! ~ OLofWL

Dear OLofWL, Thank you for the garlic potato recipe. I doubled the garlic and needed only 3/4 cup milk. It's the most satisfying mashed potatoes ever because it's so delicious, low cal and real! ~ Biker Chick

Dear Biker Chick, I'm so glad you liked the garlic potato recipe (KICK #28). Wow - 8 cloves of garlic! You are a true garlic-lover. I'm going to try your variation tonight! Thanks for the tip and for writing. ~ OLofWL

The KICK in the TUSH Club provides a weekly reminder in the form of an Art-KICK for those who wish to anchor themselves to their weight loss and/or health goals (or for those who need to satisfy their craving for a quirky kick). It's fun, fab and fat-free. Sign-up now (there's no charge). Just send an email to Our Lady (info@OurLadyofWeightLoss.com) and say, "YES! I need a KICK in the TUSH."

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL
EXTENDED by popular demand!!!