I'm not big on drinking anything but water before going to bed but this is some useful information...
Did you know that lack of sleep may have a negative impact on your weight? Studies have found that people who get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours are recommended) are, in fact, slimmer. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key for better quality sleep. And, believe it or not, choosing the right beverage plays an important role, too. The following five bedtime beverages help you fall asleep easily, get quality shuteye, and even help keep your metabolism fired up during the night.
1. Milk
Milk is the perfect bedtime drink, no matter if you enjoy it hot or cold! It is rich in tryptophan and calcium (both of which will positively affect your sleep). Apart from that, milk provides you with high levels of protein; casein to be exact. Your body absorbs this milk protein slowly (as opposed to whey protein) which prevents muscle loss during the night. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories your body burns when resting.
2. Ginger tea with lemon
Ginger and lemon will activate your metabolism; so why not combine them? Freshly brewed ginger tea with lemon not only improves your metabolism, but works wonders for your immune system! Simply add a few slices of ginger and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a liter of hot water. Then, add your tea and let it brew for about 15 minutes. Too bitter? You can sweeten your bedtime drink with some honey.
3. Grape juice
Yes, you read it correctly: if you would like to shed a few pounds, grape juice is indeed a suitable ‘good night drink’. Obviously, it’s all about the right quantity, as fruit juice contains a lot of sugar. A small glass of pure grape juice (about 150 ml/ 8 oz) before going to bed will stimulate the fat burning process. A study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity found that resveratrol, an antioxidant in grapes, is responsible for that. It is said to convert white fat into metabolically active brown fat.
4. Camomile tea
Do you often struggle to fall asleep? Time to take action – but please choose natural means over pills. If you don’t get enough sleep your body becomes more prone to illness and you also run an increased risk of becoming overweight. This is where camomile tea comes into play: it helps you relax and fall asleep. This herbal tea increases glycine levels in your blood. Glycine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a muscle relaxant and therefore ensures that you get a deep and restful slumber.
5. Kefir
Kefir is made from fermented milk and contains carbon dioxide. With its high levels of probiotics (micro-organisms which are added to the beverage), this creamy drink has a positive effect on your intestinal health and activates your metabolism. Additionally, kefir is rich in protein. A glass of this dairy drink as a late night snack keeps you full and provides your muscles with protein during the night. Then, you’re sure to be set for a great athletic performance the next day.
Bottom line: If you would like to shed a few pounds, there is no way around regular exercise and a balanced diet. Enjoy these drinks in the evening, as an addition, if you want to boost your weight loss.
Yes, you read it correctly: if you would like to shed a few pounds, grape juice is indeed a suitable ‘good night drink’. Obviously, it’s all about the right quantity, as fruit juice contains a lot of sugar. A small glass of pure grape juice (about 150 ml/ 8 oz) before going to bed will stimulate the fat burning process. A study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity found that resveratrol, an antioxidant in grapes, is responsible for that. It is said to convert white fat into metabolically active brown fat.
4. Camomile tea
Do you often struggle to fall asleep? Time to take action – but please choose natural means over pills. If you don’t get enough sleep your body becomes more prone to illness and you also run an increased risk of becoming overweight. This is where camomile tea comes into play: it helps you relax and fall asleep. This herbal tea increases glycine levels in your blood. Glycine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a muscle relaxant and therefore ensures that you get a deep and restful slumber.
5. Kefir
Kefir is made from fermented milk and contains carbon dioxide. With its high levels of probiotics (micro-organisms which are added to the beverage), this creamy drink has a positive effect on your intestinal health and activates your metabolism. Additionally, kefir is rich in protein. A glass of this dairy drink as a late night snack keeps you full and provides your muscles with protein during the night. Then, you’re sure to be set for a great athletic performance the next day.
Bottom line: If you would like to shed a few pounds, there is no way around regular exercise and a balanced diet. Enjoy these drinks in the evening, as an addition, if you want to boost your weight loss.
