Weight loss is a popular new year's resolution and it seems like everybody has the solution. Pick up a tabloid at the grocery story, surf the web or social media, and it's imminent, everybody out there has a quick fat loss tip like, lose ten pounds in ten days, or let's flush that fat once and for all. My personal favorite is, lose weight without changing your diet. There are countless fad diets that circulate this time of year.
Before we talk about losing weight or which diet plan to go on, ask yourself these two questions. One, do I want to lose weight or do I need to lose weight? There is a difference between need and want. Your doctor my want you to lose weight for health sake, but you have to want to make this change and have it last forever.
The other question I want you to ask yourself is what is your stress level? Be honest. On a scale from 1 to 10 where do you land?
If you want to lose weight and your stress level is high, I wouldn't recommend starting with a dietary overhaul just yet. The reason is because we're not dealing with just diet, we're also dealing with some sort of hormone imbalance.
Hormones play a factor in how we manage our stress and also how we manage our body composition. If you go on a diet while your stress level is high, then you probably won't succeed. That may sound harsh, but if you're on a diet and you have a stressful day, there's a good chance you'll reach for a comfort food. The answer to why we reach for comfort foods in times of stress is primarily due to one hormone–adrenaline.
Adrenaline is your fight-or-flight hormone. The body produces more adrenaline when it thinks it's in danger. There is no danger. No wild animal is chasing you, at least I hope not. But adrenaline is produced in abundance in stressful cases. It's trying to help you "survive" the stressor, so to speak.
Adrenaline tells the body to send more glucose to the brain and muscles to adapt and escape the stressor. The need for glucose goes up, so then we reach for comfort foods to meet that demand. Our body is tricking us into eating comfort foods, but it doesn't stop there. As glucose rises in the blood stream insulin comes in to control it, and then cortisol arrives to control the stress. Insulin and cortisol block fat from being used as energy. That is the end result. That is why people struggle with weight loss because of these hormones.
There are supplements that can help reduce stress. In addition you may find these suggestions beneficial. First, if it all possible remove the stressor from your life. If you live with the stressor or work with the stressor then that may not be feasible. In that case find ways to reduce stress, such as slowing down. Yes, sometimes we're constantly going, doing this and that. Make some time for yourself. Relax and enjoy a bit of quiet time. Enjoy life! Read a book, do yoga, pray, take a leisurely walk. If you want to burn off adrenaline and cortisol quickly, hit a punching bag or a pillow. Don't hurt yourself, but you'd be surprised how better you'll quickly feel.
As far as diet changes are concerned, start simple with substitutions. Instead of eliminating your favorite foods, substitute. Substitute your favorite foods with low-carb variations. You're eating the same foods, but prepared low carb. Many times telling someone who's stressed to cut out sugar is non-negotiable. Sugar is a biggie for many (thanks to adrenaline). Instead of eliminating sugar, use a low-carb substitute like stevia, xylitol, or erythritol.
Diet Doctor is a great online resource (www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb), and it's free. If you would like more information make an appointment to see me.
This is the year you reach your goal. You can do it.
by John Connor, CNC