The Stress/Weight Gain Link

Are you someone who sees the numbers on the scale continually climb, despite repeated attempts at dieting? If so, you are probably extremely frustrated and perplexed by the unfairness of it all. So let me ask you, what is your stress level?  You may say, what does stress have to do with weight? Well, research is now showing a direct connection between the two, and I'll explain why.

When we are stressed, our body emits hormones that prepare us for emergencies. This response was critical for our survival in ancient times, because it provided a heightened state of alertness, allowing us to be ready to fight or run away.  So the brain, in its innate intelligence, would slow the burning of calories so we would be ready to protect ourselves. 

Today, most of the stress we encounter is quite different. It is more mental or emotional in nature, and this does not require enormous physical strength. But the brain still responds by conserving calories, and when occuring on a regular basis, the outcome is weight gain.

Another piece of the puzzle is when we emit stress hormones, they inhibit the production of happy hormones which the brain needs to feel stable. Since that makes our brain unhappy, it will send us a signal to restore those hormones, and guess what is the easiest and fastest way to do this?  Simple sugar!  When we eat simple sugar it restores the happy hormones.

But it also loads us with unhealthy calories which turn to fat and subsequent weight gain. So here's the key - build a lifestyle around good stress management practices. Eat healthy whole foods that stabilize your mood. Exercise in a way that is enjoyable to you. Be with people you enjoy. Laugh. Do work that engages your mind and stimulates you.  Drink lots of water. All of these things really matter, and when you practice them on a regular basis, you will see your response to stressful situations change.

When you emit fewer stress hormones, your craving for the donut or the candy bar will be far less frequent and far less appealing. So breathe deeply, release your tension, and flood your mind with happy thoughts. It will change your life and your waistline.