Integrative Health Coach

Is Stress making you gain weight?

Do you want to lose weight? Need coaching for weight loss? Have you tried everything to lose weight?
It is not surprising that on January1st every year, people come out of the workwork looking to lose weight.
But lets disect this a little closer – why in January? Is it only because it represents a new beginning with new resolutions? Or is it because Jan 1st follows 2 months of eating rich, sweet, high fat foods. Or is it becasue during the hustle and bustle of the holidays your exercise regime has taken a back seat to shopping and cooking?
What else is happening?
The last part of the year is generally the most stressful. There are extra expenses of gift giving and spending money on entertaining family and friends. There is the stress of having company including some that you are not so happy to entertain. It is your own expectation that the holdiays should be a certain way – from the food to the gifts to the conversations. So in turn, it is a time for a certain amount of disappointment for some. Did I give the right gift? Was it enough? How will I find time to decorate and clean the house? Did my guests feel at home? What if someone does like the menu I planned? When are they going to leave? I don’t have time for a run. I don’t have enough money. My job is driving me nuts – I don’t have time to do all that I need to do. I don’t have time for ME!!!
What is this doing to you? The stress is creating a perfect set up for weight gain.
When we look at stress – a certain amount is necessary – it is when it becomes an excess that our bodies begin to respond in an unfavorable way by releasing too many stress hormones. This results in a myriad of health hazards – high blood pressure, stomach issues, headaches, and yes…. weight gain!
The increase of the stress homone cortisol is responsible for the belly fat – another risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
So while you are making your New Year’s resolutions, maybe you can start with learning new stress reduction techniques and get some help to stay on track for a healthier you this year.
Let me know if you need a coach!