‘Hot chocolate’ this way delivers deep, sweet sleep

Q:

I’ve lost 24 pounds by cutting carbs. I’m thrilled, but I’d love to indulge a bit at the Mother’s Day lunch my daughter is planning. Do you have advice for taking a ‘cheat day’ without ruining my progress?

A:

Go ahead and enjoy! Australian scientists found that taking a short break—as many as five days—from a healthy eating plan sparked no weight gain or long-term changes in metabolism when subjects ate an extra 1,000 calories per day. And related research showed that taking a diet mini break resulted in 50% more weight lost in the long run than those who didn’t pause their plan. The suspected reason: Dieting can trick your body into thinking you’re not getting enough food, so it holds onto fat reserves; but a short break resets your metabolism and reminds the body to burn fat.

Also smart: Sip an 8 oz. glass of ice water with 2 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar before you eat. Swedish researchers say it amplifies fullness, so folks eating a high-carb meal unconsciously consumed up to 275 fewer calories. Plus, cold water triggers thermogenesis, a process that boosts metabolism by 30% for an hour after you drink.