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Get some sleep!

By Thursday, I’m tired. Usually, it’s been a long week and I’m ready to crash by 9. Honestly, I should aim to be asleep by 9 every night before I get up early to workout. But it just doesn’t happen.

I’ve read all the studies that tell us lack of sleep can cause everything from obesity to forgetfulness to hairy ears. What’s the big deal about getting sleep? One provocative study of 1400 participants revealed a high occurrence of diabetes. Since I’ve already got a check mark in that column, I kept reading. Lack of physical growth, emotional instability, inability to heal wounds/injuries, inability to perform routine duties, and lack of concentration all can be caused by little sleep. What really speaks to me is the link between weight gain and inefficient sleep. Who knew that cupcakes and 4 hour sleeps could pile on the pounds?

I know I need more sleep. I also know I’m asleep within 5 minutes of turning off the light so I don’t usually lay awake at night. It’s just getting that light out early enough to get a good long restful sleep. It doesn’t happen as often as I wish, but I’m working on it. One thing I’m doing is laying out my workout clothes and work clothes as soon as I get home in the afternoon. Then, all I have to do is make dinner and prepare lunches/snacks for the next day. However, this week was a big fail in that department. I was 15 minutes late to class one morning. If my trainer is reading this, I promise to do better next week! If not, tack on some burpees to my workout.

One thing that has gone well today is my planning good food.

Second breakfast

snack

Lunch: fajita rice bowl, sweet potatoes (ate 1 slice), carrots/hummus, berries.

lunch

Afternoon snack

photo(9)

Obviously, I needed a lot more protein. It’s very hard to get it as much protein as I need with the workouts that I do. I get a lot through my morning shake, but midday meals need more.

Dinner was a very quick lean pork stir fry.

Pork Stir Fry

stir fry

  • thinly sliced pork loin, marinated for 30 minutes in Newman’s Own Asian dressing.
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli
  • 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/3 cup chopped red onions
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • Juice of one orange or 1/2 cup of orange juice
  • 1 cup of water or broth
  1. Heat pan and quickly cook the sliced pork 2-3 minutes until done. Remove and keep warm. Cook rice if not already cooked.
  2. Add oil to pan and get it hot, but not smoking. Add vegetables and cook until tender, 5-8 minutes.
  3. Turn heat to low. Add soy sauce, broth, and juice.
  4. Add rice and pork. Mix together and warm through.

Cynthia (It All Changes)

Saturday 28th of January 2012

I've been struggling with sleep lately. This is a great reminder to get my butt to bed even if I don't fall asleep right away.

Katrina

Monday 30th of January 2012

Lol, apparently I ignore my own advice. It's 11:30pm and I'm still awake. I know if I just turn off the light and lay my head down, I'll be asleep before I can count to 50. I just need to DO IT.