I Went to Bed 20 Minutes Earlier For a Week, and It Totally Transformed My Life

Because I was eating a bit earlier in the evening, I woke up ravenous. I personally can't work out on an empty stomach, so I ate a pre-workout snack within a few minutes of getting out of bed — either cottage cheese, some nut butter on crackers, or a protein bar.

What I didn't do: crave refined carbs and sugar, whether in the morning or throughout the day. Instead, I wanted good fats and lots of protein, which made me feel healthier and more energized. Science backs this up: adequate sleep has been shown to reduce sugar cravings, and even curb hunger by balancing the hormones that tell you when to eat. No wonder my appetite seemed more predictable.