So as I near closer to my wedding what I am finding is I am stressing out. Not even realising that I am stressed I haven’t been able to sleep properly and I feel like I am running around mad every day.

So it got me thinking about stress and what effects it will have on body and in particular the effects on weight loss.

Cortisol is commonly known as the ‘stress hormone’. It is a steroid hormone known as a glucocorticoid (breaks down stored glycogen (sugar) from the liver for immediate use) and it is segreted (discharged) in the body upon any immediate stressors, both physical and emotional.

So we need cortisol as it regulates the bodies’ metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to be a useable source of energy.

Under conditions of stress, cortisol will maintain blood pressure and limit excessive inflammation.

So to get to the point – in order to manage your stress (cortisol) levels and to help maintain or lose fat here are some tips:

– Eat high nutrient dense food groups like fruits, veggies, and nuts. This will help balance your blood sugar levels.

– Get outside for for 30 minutes a day i.e. go to bootcamp 🙂 and get access to sunlight. Again this helps release powerful antioxidants and a steroidal hormone that regulates the release of cortisol and improves blood sugar management.

– Just by walking, meditating or doing our Yoga session on Sunday and taking a few minutes out to relax each day can help minimise the release of cortisol.

Hope you found that piece of information useful. Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Bridge

 

The information above is taken from the study done by Luke Edgell in the course ‘Nutrition for female fat loss’ I am currently completing!