Not loosing weight? Check your stress levels
By Nicole Forktus
The Problem...
...Eat healthy, exercise, drink water, repeat. Eat healthy, exercise, drink water, repeat. For those embarking on a weight loss journey, this monotonous cycle is engrained in the mind from the very beginning. Yet months pass and your still harboring that extra bit of belly fat, despite flawlessly adhering to your current diet and exercise plan. You're surprised by this, but more surprised to discern that stress might be the the sneaky culprit that is sabotaging your weight loss.
The Cause...
Stress manifests physically in addition to emotionally. While classic symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat and high anxiety are associated with stress, stress and weight gain are seamlessly intertwined as well. The cause? Hormonal and metabolic changes that arise as a byproduct of chronic stress.
The Evidence...
A study performed on mice affirms this correlation. Researchers manipulated rodents by bullying them until they demonstrated high signs of emotional trauma. Once in a state of stress, the mice showed irregular cortisol levels and changes within their immune and endocrine systems. Hormonal imbalances like these hinder the body's ability to rid itself of excessive fat cells. The fat is then stored, and weight gain becomes prominent.
There is, however, hope for individuals susceptible to gaining weight via the harmful effects of stress.
Ways to destress
1. Mindfulness- Taking Tylenol to reduce a headache is the same as using mindfulness to reduce stress. All too often, individuals are either living in the past or are too preoccupied with the future to live in the moment. A disconnection with the present moment can yield a copious amount of anxiety. Mindfulness is exercised to combat a wandering mind by bringing awareness to current thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experiences. Instead of succumbing to the power of robust, fleeting emotions, mindfulness is practiced by observing the present moment without judgement. As a result, stress dissipates naturally.
2. Eat during the daytime- A key component of the Jenny Craig weight loss program is the relationship between the circadian rhythm and mood. The circadian rhythm relates to the physical and emotional changes the body goes through over the course of 24 hours. Given that the body is most active during the day and tapers off at night, it is best best to consume meals while the sun is shining and your metabolism is at its peak. The Jenny Craig weight loss program affirms the emotional benefits of eating during the daytime. "Eating during daylight has shown to improve anger, tension, confusion, and overall mood. Hormones released during the rejuvenation period have also been associated with antidepressant effects."
3. Cave to cravings (in moderation)- When humans are in a frazzled state, cortisol levels increase within the body. Deemed "the stress hormone," cortisol is heavily associated with weight gain. A rise in cortisol levels produce higher insulin levels, which triggers a craving for sugary, fatty "comfort foods." Fighting cravings could lead to binge eating, but fully succumbing might result in consuming an entire package of chocolate chip cookies. Take the middle ground approach instead and mindfully indulge in a small treat. Mindfully eating the treat will allow you to create an experience with your snack, resulting in a satisfied sweet tooth and zero changes to your waistline.
Title: Not loosing weight? Check your stress levels
Meta Description: Hormonal imbalances that arise from chronic stress increase the likelihood of weight gain.
Facebook: 3 ways to destress and lose weight
Instagram: #OverwhelmedByLife? Practice #Mindfullness #DaytimeEating #Moderation
Twitter: #StressTriggersWeightGain😱
The Problem...
...Eat healthy, exercise, drink water, repeat. Eat healthy, exercise, drink water, repeat. For those embarking on a weight loss journey, this monotonous cycle is engrained in the mind from the very beginning. Yet months pass and your still harboring that extra bit of belly fat, despite flawlessly adhering to your current diet and exercise plan. You're surprised by this, but more surprised to discern that stress might be the the sneaky culprit that is sabotaging your weight loss.
The Cause...
Stress manifests physically in addition to emotionally. While classic symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat and high anxiety are associated with stress, stress and weight gain are seamlessly intertwined as well. The cause? Hormonal and metabolic changes that arise as a byproduct of chronic stress.
The Evidence...
A study performed on mice affirms this correlation. Researchers manipulated rodents by bullying them until they demonstrated high signs of emotional trauma. Once in a state of stress, the mice showed irregular cortisol levels and changes within their immune and endocrine systems. Hormonal imbalances like these hinder the body's ability to rid itself of excessive fat cells. The fat is then stored, and weight gain becomes prominent.
There is, however, hope for individuals susceptible to gaining weight via the harmful effects of stress.
Ways to destress
1. Mindfulness- Taking Tylenol to reduce a headache is the same as using mindfulness to reduce stress. All too often, individuals are either living in the past or are too preoccupied with the future to live in the moment. A disconnection with the present moment can yield a copious amount of anxiety. Mindfulness is exercised to combat a wandering mind by bringing awareness to current thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experiences. Instead of succumbing to the power of robust, fleeting emotions, mindfulness is practiced by observing the present moment without judgement. As a result, stress dissipates naturally.
2. Eat during the daytime- A key component of the Jenny Craig weight loss program is the relationship between the circadian rhythm and mood. The circadian rhythm relates to the physical and emotional changes the body goes through over the course of 24 hours. Given that the body is most active during the day and tapers off at night, it is best best to consume meals while the sun is shining and your metabolism is at its peak. The Jenny Craig weight loss program affirms the emotional benefits of eating during the daytime. "Eating during daylight has shown to improve anger, tension, confusion, and overall mood. Hormones released during the rejuvenation period have also been associated with antidepressant effects."
3. Cave to cravings (in moderation)- When humans are in a frazzled state, cortisol levels increase within the body. Deemed "the stress hormone," cortisol is heavily associated with weight gain. A rise in cortisol levels produce higher insulin levels, which triggers a craving for sugary, fatty "comfort foods." Fighting cravings could lead to binge eating, but fully succumbing might result in consuming an entire package of chocolate chip cookies. Take the middle ground approach instead and mindfully indulge in a small treat. Mindfully eating the treat will allow you to create an experience with your snack, resulting in a satisfied sweet tooth and zero changes to your waistline.
Title: Not loosing weight? Check your stress levels
Meta Description: Hormonal imbalances that arise from chronic stress increase the likelihood of weight gain.
Facebook: 3 ways to destress and lose weight
Instagram: #OverwhelmedByLife? Practice #Mindfullness #DaytimeEating #Moderation
Twitter: #StressTriggersWeightGain😱
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