What is the Leptin Diet?

Leptin, is an important hormone that helps us regulate the energy balance within our bodies and can help us when it comes to losing weight. Here is how it works: 


1.    Control of Fat Storage

Leptin decides which nutrient will be stored as fat and which will be utilized to give out energy.

2.    Helps control the Appetite



Leptin also helps regulate your energy levels, thereby controlling your desire to indulge in unhealthy snacking and curbing your appetite.

When it comes to those suffering from obesity, Leptin is a chemical that is short in supply. There are medicines available to handle this problem, but just like other medicines, they do have their own set of side effects.

In such a situation, it is best to follow certain rules and practices that help your body synthesize its own Leptin. You just have to convince your body to manufacture leptin by itself by following five basic (and easy) rules!

Rule 1: Do not eat after Dinner. Ever!

There is a reason why you are advised by your dietician to have your dinner at least three hours before you sleep. As your brain detects that sleeping time is approaching, the leptin level in your body goes down. So if you are someone who loves snacking at night and feels better after it, try your best to reduce these cravings. Your body will finally stop craving late night snacks, once you are in the habit of resisting. 

We know it is not easy, but in understanding that the later you eat at night, when your body prepares to hibernate for a few hours, the greater your chances are of storing up every calorie as fat. So give your diet and exercise a boost by having your dinner at least few hours before bed time.

Rule 2: Have Three Meals in a Day

Most of us are guilty of snacking throughout the day. The problem is that this adds unnecessary calories. Snacking also means it is easier to lose track of what you have consumed! 

It is advisable that you have three main meals in a day. Keep a gap of 3 - 6 hours in between. Moreover, steer clear of caffeine and sodas as they reduce the leptin level in your body. Ensure you drink enough water, as many people misunderstand thirst for a feeling of hunger.

Rule 3: Do not eat Large Meals

Even though you have reduced the amount of snacks consumed each day, you will still need to try not to compensate these with larger meals. This will confuse your body, and your leptin level will go haywire! 

Receiving excess energy can also do more harm than good. Have small to medium sized meals, and leptin levels should stabilize.

Rule 4: Have Proteins in your Breakfast

Breakfast is the first meal of the day and will keep you fueled for the rest of the day. So it is only sensible that you start your day with a good amount of protein, as that will give you enough energy to last throughout the day and will keep you feeling full. 

Generally, it is observed that people prefer eating heavy dinners, but that is the worse decision you can make if you want to stay fit and healthy. Start your day with proteins and set yourself up for an energetic day. Make breakfast your main meal.

Rule 5: Cut down those Carbs

Carbohydrates taste good, and that is why our bodies get attracted to them. Carbohydrates stay in the body as a fat reserve and become very difficult to get rid of when we want to lose weight. Avoid carbs as much as you can, but ensure that you don’t eliminate it completely as your body still requires carbs for energy and wellness.

In implementing these steps, you could improve your leptin levels naturally, helping you reach your weight loss goals.