It's sad when a basic necessity becomes a luxury. But as a new mom, I'm learning fast that things I once took for granted, like a daily shower or a quick trip to Starbucks for the new Sugar-free Gingerbread Latte (yum! have you tried it?), are all too hard to come by these days.

The worst of it is sleep. During pregnancy, I was warned by parents everywhere to enjoy my sleep while I still could. And I knew having a baby in the house would make it difficult to catch a few Zzzs. But I honestly was not prepared for just how bad it would really be.

I'm lucky if I get four hours in a 24-hour period.

It takes a real toll on my mood (just ask my husband) and my energy level. Now research shows this chronic sleep deprivation is bad for my health and weight. (READ MORE)