Posted: Nov 4, 07 8:49pm
(Click on these links to get to Week 1 and Week 2 of the Challenge.)
Week Three's Theme: Reducing Stress
Stress can be a major contributor to weight gain. When we are stressed, our body goes into "flight or fight" mode and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to hold onto calories so that we can flee or fight.
With the constant stream of hormones during chronic stress, there is an accumulation of fat in the abdomen, sugar cravings are stimulated, and the body can develop a resistance to insulin. That is why dealing with stress is so important if you want to lose weight.
There are many ways to do this. Exercise is one of those easy things to do that can relieve stress and boost the metabolism. Meditation for just 15 minutes three times a week can lower stress and blood pressure. Yoga and Tai Chi can help relieve stress and improve fitness as well. Sometimes, for tough stress cases, psychotherapy may be required.
It is important to pay attention to stress when it comes to general health and weight loss, and to deal with it so that you have tools to keep it under control before it controls you!
So this week, we're going to add one more item to our daily food diaries--your daily demon.
Today, write down the following:
* Everything you ate (including liquids).
* Your daily demon: What's causing you the most stress?
