While fad diets and magic pills reign supreme in the weight loss world, there are healthier simple diet truths to be told.

For starters, a huge key to weight loss is simply getting enough sleep. To explain further, I contacted Dr. Schwimmer of the Snoring Center. He has an incredibly insightful talk he gives called, “Sleep Your Way Skinny.” While most people understand the importance of healthy behaviors such as diet, yoga, exercise, etc. he argues we often overlook the devastating effects a sleep deficit can create. Especially when it comes to maintaining an ideal body weight and living an active lifestyle.

The obvious:

• When tired, we’re less likely to have the energy to hit the gym.
• Also, we crave quick “pick me ups” like sugar and caffeine which are not diet friendly

The not-so-obvious:

A sleep deficit causes basic metabolic changes that make weight loss more difficult. Secretion of Leptin and Ghrelin, two main “appetite controlling” hormones, are impacted by sleep loss, making people more hungry when they are tired. And glucose metabolism is also impaired, creating a sort of “pre-diabetic” state in sleep deprived people, leading to increased fat deposition.

So what’s the take home message and simple diet truth?

If you are trying to be healthy, ESPECIALLY if you are trying to lose weight, get enough sleep. Think of diet, exercise and sleep as a triad – equally important to health and well-being. Ignore any one and your results will suffer, but meet your body’s need for all three and you will benefit immensely.

Still not convinced? Click on over to read the research : Lack of sleep, Increased appetite