Last night went as well as could be expected. There was nothing at the concert that I could eat, but I’d had enough of a snack to not worry about it and I drank a ton of water. Because I was focused on the company and the atmosphere, I didn’t even think about it.

But last night we got very little sleep because we were home super late and I had to get up to work in the morning. I am a really good sleeper so when I’m short an hour or two, I really feel it. Five hours is simply not enough for me. And really it’s not good for anyone.  At least seven is better to aim for.

When we are short on sleep, our hormones get disregulated and it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to determine true hunger levels. Because we are tired, the brain keeps signaling for more food, preferably sugary carbs, so that it can feel more alert. We also might feel cranky and irritable or lethargic and like something as simple as making a healthy meal is just too much.

What I have found works best for me when I’m tired is to first of all, make sure that I get enough water. It can help regulate things and keeps me from also being dehydrated and then confusing thirst for hunger on top of any other hormonal miscues. I also try to eat a really good breakfast, including a few extra carbs like I did today with some sweet potato, and then I pay attention to what feels right in terms of physical activity. I ended up working out this morning, although I wasn’t sure that I would. I woke up with a headache, knew I was tired, and had decided to just go with how my body felt. Sleep deprivation is already a stressful state for your body so adding intense exercise on top isn’t always the right solution. It’s important to pay attention.

Missing sleep can cause an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, and it can cause you to eat more than you need. Both of those scenarios don’t lend themselves to becoming your healthiest self. If you feel like it’s hard to reach your health, wellness, and aesthetic goals, check your sleep. It might be right there in one extra hour. If you can’t get it at night, a nap can help too. Just get some sleep. It can make all the difference in the world!

What did I eat today?

Breakfast – 2 eggs, cucumber, beet, avocado, sweet onion, sherry vinegar, olive oil / chunk of sweet potato

Post-workout snack – 1/2 Rx bar / Apple

Lunch – Chicken, celery, bell pepper, avocado, raisins, onion, walnuts, mustard, vinegar, mayo, lavender salt

Snack – Apricot

Dinner – Chipotle salad with steak and guacamole / Plum

What did I do for exercise?

HIIT workout at the gym and walked the dog. Starting to find my groove again.