Your body keeps burning calories to keep your involuntary nervous system working - pumping blood, breathing, digesting food, and all the other functions. But did you know that you could also burn fat while you sleep? With some minor tweaks to your daily habits, you can unleash the full potential of your body’s natural fat-burning ability while you sleep. 

Consume carbs during daytime - Consume the bulk of your calories, particularly carbohydrates, during daytime hours and less in the evening. You’ll go to bed with less of the hormone insulin in your blood, so your body can metabolize fat for energy while you sleep.

Protein shake in the evening - Shake up a protein drink if you feel hungry in the evening. Several studies have found that protein before bed not only helps you build lean muscle mass but also aids in muscle and cell repair.

Darkroom for sleeping - Sleeping in total darkness releases the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep, blood pressure, body temperature, and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Exposure to light before bedtime has serious implications for your health. 

Nuts - One handful of walnuts and almonds can increase your melatonin levels and promote better sleep. They’re also good for your heart.

Spice up your meals – Consumption of red pepper flakes, and other types of hot peppers to aid in thermogenesis (fat burning). The capsaicin found in these foods has been shown to have a thermogenic effect, helping your body to burn more calories and fat.

Stay hydrated - Drinking at least eight cups of water a day boosts metabolism. In addition, ice-cold water requires your body to use more calories to heat it to body temperature, providing you with an added metabolism-boosting benefit.