Did you know that sunlight could actually be your secret ally in your weight loss journey?

Everyone loves the sunshine, but beyond it’s mood-boosting, feel-good rays, would you believe me if I told you that it’s actually playing a significant role in the way your body naturally manages its weight? And if you’re wondering how exactly sunlight could help you shed extra pounds, let me explain…

It’s becoming clear in scientific circles that bright light in the morning can actually reduce appetite and body weight. I know it sounds weirdly simple, but the power of light has actually been quantified in several different studies. In one such study, researchers had 54 adults, of an average age of 30, wear wrist monitors that tracked their exposure to light and sleep patterns for a week.

The participants recorded what they were eating, so that their caloric intake was also taken into account.

Regardless of their sleep habits, results showed that the participants body weight corresponded to their light exposure - even just dim light! The same intensity of sunlight as we get on a gray, cloudy day.

So if you’re thinking, so what? It’s winter and I haven’t seen the sun for weeks and I’m not going to - I got you!

The good news is this is not about exposure to bright sunshine, but rather early light exposure during the day and just around 500 lux of light - the equivalent of bright indoor lighting. Plus, being outside in the morning - even on an overcast day - you can actually receive up to 10,000 lux light.

In a different study conducted in Norway, participants engaged in a 30-minute morning walk three times a week. The findings also showed a reduction in body weight.

Here’s how it works:

Kickstarts Your Metabolism

Morning sunlight exposure is like a wake-up call for your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This rhythm regulates your metabolism, dictating how efficiently your body burns calories throughout the day. Studies suggest that people exposed to early morning sunlight tend to have a healthier BMI compared to those who miss out on those morning rays. Even just 20–30 minutes of morning sun can get your metabolism in motion, giving you a calorie-burning boost all day long.

Curbs Your Cravings

Regular exposure to sunlight helps regulate serotonin levels, the mood-boosting hormone that reduces stress and emotional eating. Serotonin also aids in better sleep, which further staves off late-night cravings and keeps your hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin, in check.

Step into the Light Morning Routine

Start by aiming for 20 minutes of sunlight between 8 a.m and noon. Walk, stretch, or have breakfast outside. Studies say that about 20-130 minutes of morning light is the right amount to affect your BMI (body mass index)

Keep consistent. Making this a regular habit is crucial to setting the stage for hormonal balance and keeping your circadian rhythm in harmony.

If you’re going to fit in an extra 20-30 minutes of morning light time, you will also need to get sufficient sleep, another crucial part of creating and maintaining health.

When you think about it, it makes sense. Our primitive ancestors were always up with the sun. Back in caveman times, if you were not getting enough sleep and missing early sunlight, something was probably wrong. Danger equals store fat - incase you need it later on.

So if you’re a night bird, used to staying up late working, relaxing, or watching Netflix, your metabolism will seriously thank you if you start to change your ways!

The Takeaway

Sunlight is such a life-giving, life-affirming part of our natural world. It’s no wonder that it also helps you to glow inside and out, feel good and create balance and harmony in your body and mind.