10 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds

The "Sleep More" Way

People who get fewer than seven hours a night have higher BMIs than those who get enough rest.

Why try it: "It's possible that just by sleeping more, you'll start to lose weight," says Grotto. "While I was writing my book, I stayed up until 2 a.m. each night for months, and I gained 15 pounds. Then after I got back into my sleep routine, the weight started coming off." Grotto believes that there are two reasons for this. First, lack of sleep spikes your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that signals your system to hold on to fat for survival. Second, a well-rested brain equals more energy for making smart lifestyle choices, such as having soup and salad for lunch instead of chicken fingers. "You'll have fewer cravings for rich, fatty foods when you aren't sleep-deprived," Grotto explains.

Action Plan

Turn off the TV and the computer and go to bed already!

DROP 10: In about a year. Combine it with the "Protein" Way and the "Eat More" Way and you'll lose the weight in just five to seven weeks!

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, April 2008.