The impact stress has on our weight gain

Today we have so much stress in our lives, everything has to be done with speed so we don't take time out even to eat anymore.  We wonder why we have an obesity problem and other health issues in our society today.  


Does your day sound like this? 

• As you run out the door late for work you quickly grab a cup of coffee and maybe a slice of toast
• At work you eat your sandwich at the computer because you don't have time to have a break as you have a deadline.
• Rushing home either grab food on the way home or devour dinner at the TV because you are so hungry. 

During periods of chronic stress, this could be work or home stress, it could be negative self talk or just feeling bad because you did not stick to your diet.  All this causes a rise in cortisol levels this sends a potent signal to fat cells, telling them to store as much fat as possible.  Cortisol also signals fat cells to hold on to their fat stores—so stress can actually reduce the ability of the body to release fat from its fat stores to use for energy. High levels of cortisol in your system makes you alot more hungry and reduces your digestive system to work optimally. 


How do we reduce the effects of cortisol?

• Take time out for your meals, make sure you are in a relaxed atmosphere
• Take some deep breaths before you start eating
• Have family time like it should be at dinner time away from the TV 
• Eat slowly, use your senses when eating, make eating an enjoyable part of your day
• Instead of dieting change your life style and set goals, with dieting we add alot of negative self talk when we don't stick to it.

This week learn to take time out, start focusing on what you are eating and savor, enjoy what you are eating, lastly listen to your body.