Delay Dessert and Sleep More

"Avoid sweets directly after a meal since suger

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You don't need to completely eliminate dessert (Dr. says it's perfectly okay to indulge your sweet tooth in moderation), just try not to indulge immediately after dinner.

"Avoid sweets directly after a meal since sugar disrupts the absorption of nutrients," Dr says. The best time for a sweet treat is about two hours after you finish your meal. And when it comes to what you eat, try the good doctor's go-to dessert: dark chocolate.

"The flavonols found in cocoa improve circulation and increase blood flow to the brain, which helps you see more clearly," he says. (We also love these amazingly delicious—and nutritious

Sleep More to Slim Down

The old saying 'you snooze, you lose' couldn't be more accurate when it comes to shedding pounds. According to Dr. depriving your body of sleep can speed up the aging process and deter your weight-loss efforts. "The brain craves carbohydrates when you're tired, so you could unknowingly sabotage even the best laid plans," he says. Aim for a good seven hours (minimum) of shuteye every night to allow your body to restore and to protect vital organ functions.