In Part 2 we will discuss stress and its effects on our ability to lose or manage our weight. It is no thing new to hear that Stress is a problem in our society. But WHY? We are the most wealthy country with the some of the best medical care available, the most readily available food sources, and an the most information available than ever before at our fingertips through the internet. Why can't we get a handle on this STRESS, and why does it have such an impact on our ability to manage our waist-lines?
It is my opinion that Stress is the NUMBER ONE killer of our bodies. Stress has many effects throughout the body. I will name a sampling of them here as they relate to metabolism, and offer a few solutions for each.
1) Energy: Let's face it, we are tapped out. Many of us long for a hot bath and a good book just to get an escape. We don't need much, just a little nap every now and then. Stress increases our bodies Cortisol, which basically decreases our ability to come under the influence of Serotonin...that lovely hormone that helps us relax, have a joyful and balanced mood, and sleep well. To increase energy, try going to bed by 10 pm and rising by 6 am. Sticking to a regular pattern of sleep will help you sleep more restfully, and recover better through the night as our brain and bodily cells rebuild and restore.
2) Digestion: When we are stressed, we often times revert to shallow chest breathing and our eating goes "wonky". Our satiety, hormones, and GI tract function will be much more optimal when we stick to foods that are low in saturated fats, high in lean protein, and that include lots of fruits and veggies. Take the time to plan your meals ahead of time so that you don't have to stress at 1:30 when lunch and hunger are all you can think about. If that suggestion stresses you out, at least plan ahead where you can access good-for-you foods at the local cafe. I also recommend good portion control, particularly at lunch and dinner when we are most likely to eat past fullness due to hunger. Eating 5-6 small meals/day helps, but we should also be willing to really pay attention to when we are hungry (growl) and when we are comfortably full (this is way before you have to undo the top button of your pants to feel comfy.)
3) Chronic disease: Chronic Stress when unaddressed can lead to elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, loss of muscle and bone tissue, and a suppressed immune-system. Now I don't know about you, but it there was one thing I could start to regulate that would make all this symptoms improve, I would work on that! I love the idea of my hormones working for me in situations where I might need to "fight or flight" quickly, but we tend to stay in this fight or flight stage all the time. Our bodies get confused and start breaking down muscle for energy while dumping increased loads of blood sugar into our system to be ready for the attack. If this sounds like you, then find a friend with whom you can download your anxieties. Talking and getting things off your chest might be just the ticket. Better yet, find a life coach who can help you get your life in balance. If nothing else, visit your local library for a yoga video or sample some Tai Chi exercises for fun.
In the end, we all have the same 24hours in a day...let's choose to make the most of them by choosing to take moments to reflect and relax!
