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Weight Loss - Relax and Lose Weight

Weight Loss - Relax and Lose Weight

Date : 07-17-2003 - 01:42 PM - Readers : 6121

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Relax and lose weight!

Did I get your attention?

Actually, the tip that hit me was to lower cortisol. I realized that cortisol is probably a central issue for me and I figured it was a central issue for some of you.

The stress hormone cortisol increases appetite and pumps out the command to want sweets and simple carbs--the foods that make insulin spike and then plummet--which leaves you hungrier than ever and messes up your cholesterol etc..

The cortisol "stress fat" goes right to your belly too. It increases a lot with depression.

Some people are more likely to pump out cortisol than others. If you eat more when under stress or feeling blue, you're probably one of them. And this tip might really help you. I'm sure hoping it helps me!

So, how to lower it?

Cortisol is the fight or flight hormone--so exercise helps--pumping iron is like "fight" and aerobic exercise is like "flight". So a little of both helps to turn that appetite for carbs off and burn off that belly--

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1676.51897

And early morning is the best time to exercise to use cortisol and lower it.

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1685.52544

Here's the relax part--yoga or meditation or tai chi are ways to lower cortisol levels. Or just breathing deeply and slowly through your nose while repeating a soothing word like "peace." So is getting a massage or having a good laugh or good sex.

Another method, apparently, is to divide calories throughout the day. The study was even 17 meals!

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/3079.1520

And lack of sleep causes cortisol to soar.

So to sum up

Lift weights and do aerobic exercise

Exercise some first thing in the morning

Try yoga or meditation or relaxation tapes

Spread calories throughout the day

Laugh, have fun, get a massage, pamper the princess

Get 8 hours of sleep

Trish

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Oh heck, you tricked me with the title. I was ready to plop down in my recliner with my remote and just watch the pounds drop off. This is interesting, I have been hearing a lot about cortisol (had mine tested with my other hormones and of course it was normal, yeah sure).

Thanks for the tip. These are good suggestions and doable (as soon as I can get my brain wrapped around it). I really appreciate all the information you research and share with us.

Sheri

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Trish,

<sipping my Concord Grape Juice, which is now, by the way, a regular staple on my weekly grocery list>

Sounds like me -- I'm an emotional eater. I'm with Sheri; I had my heart set on just lumping on the couch, saying, "Peeeaaace" and feeling the poundage just melt away.

8 hours of sleep? In a row? Hmm.... haven't been able to do that in quite some time, but I'm working on it.

Thanks, Trish! You're awesome!

Criss

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Thanks, Trish. I always enjoy reading your posts and your links. You offer some very sound advise about dealing with stress. Thanks!

Locki

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Trish, I this tip. And, yes, I'm one of those who eats more when stressed.... and it is all junk food .

I guess that my exercise strategy helps on almost all counts: I walk, walk, walk.... and I do it outside at my own pace... so I can look around, smell the roses and relax before I get home. Only thing: it's in the evening or at the end of the afternoon... still, better than letting the stress get to me
Dany

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~Trish~

WOW! Thanks for the helpful information regarding cortisol! I can't wait to implement some form of weight-lifting to my exercise program when I am fully recovered from surgery.

As you may have noticed, I have a strange sense of humor and I do a lot of laughing. Humor has always been a healthy coping mechanisim for me. I mentioned in another post that I too am an emotional eater. I have noticed that since I have done better about not filling the void w/ food I "feel" my emotions more intensely and cry more often. The crying seems to have a very cleansing effect on me.

Thanks for the useful tips!! What would we do without you?!

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Oh Trish, I am forever hungry, not a snackin' kind of hunger, but a real burly construction worker kind of hunger.

I do the weights and the cardio and I have lost only one pound, BUT I have lost two inches in my hips, 2 in my waist, and 1/2 in each thigh. But, this hunger doesn't go away. I try to spread out the calories, snack on fruit, etc.

I have the appetite of a football player.
E

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