Stress Is Making Me Put On Weight!

You go from meeting to meeting running around all day to make sure everything runs smoothly with your business or career? I get it! As a busy Londoner it’s stressful to stay on top of career, family and most importantly health. But did you know that being stressed could actually be impacting your weight loss journey?

When you’re stressed your body produces two hormones. Adrenaline and the primary stress hormone cortisol. The effects of adrenaline can be positive with a boost of energy and heart rate which can often help you perform quicker, stronger and faster while exercising. Cortisol however does not have such a positive influence on the body. Cortisol is a catabolic which means it breaks down muscle tissue. Having a high level of lean muscle will insure your metabolism still runs at a fast pace. This is essential for weight loss especially if you are over the age of 40 as you will find a significant decrease in lean muscle after this age. Cortisol also increases glucose in the bloodstream leading to insulin spikes which then in turn leads to over eating. Below are the most common health problems associated with stress.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Heart disease
• Digestive problems

Below are my four best tips to combat stress and keep you winning on your weight loss path.

Eat Stress Busting Foods

Go for green leafy foods with your supper every night. This includes spinach, kale, broccoli.  A 2012 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders of 2,800 middle-aged and elderly people and found those who consumed the most folate had a lower risk of depression symptoms than those who took in the least. And, a 2013 study from the University of Otago found that college students tended to feel calmer, happier, and more energetic on days they ate more fruits and veggies. Another great food to eat are blueberries. Packed full of antioxidants and Vitamin C this helps repair and protect cells.

Have a Rest Day

To get the best results out of your training it is important to let your body recover. After heavy sessions our bodies can be left drained and tired. A day off from training will allow your muscle fibres to regenerate back to healthy state. The recovery process can alter your bodies state, from energy to hormones, allowing this to level out will allow you to run on your full potential. A lack of recovery time can result in an increased risk in injury and a drop in your performance during exercise.

Don’t Burn the Candle at Both Ends

Getting adequate sleep as you know can make a difference in your focus, energy levels and general wellbeing. Sleep is when or bodies really recover as our other senses and brain functions begin to slow down. Try to get an early night, aim for 7 hours of sleep per night and wake up feeling ready to fight the day. This feeling of new found energy is going to allow you to tackle any obstacles you may have in your working day.

Get a Hobby

Take time to do what you enjoy. This could be making time to play golf or read a book or just spending time with your family. There is nothing more important to your physical and mental wellbeing than doing something that makes you happy. Destressing through hobbies that include metal relaxation such as meditation or yoga can also be helpful.

Implement these 4 relatively easy steps into your busy schedule and you should find the weight will start to come off again with your exercise routine.

For more ways to find out about weight loss, stress reduction and increasing energy visit pgpt.co.uk today.

Success in fitness,

Pete