Ruthie’s step 64…. So this is stress?

Ruthie’s step 64…. So this is stress?

You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Stress

We live in a society that demands we do more, be more, and achieve more. Stress moves us forward and helps cope with life's demands, but it also affects our mood and emotions.

Stress response to too many responsibilities, coping with financial pressures, triggers a biochemical process where our bodies go into survival mode. Our bodies store fuel, slow down metabolism, and dump out chemicals which are more likely to cause obesity in the abdominal region.

Many people reach for food to help ease the stress.

Food is a temporary fix because it does not deal with the real stressors that must be addressed in order to reduce the trigger for eating and fix the problem. Read step 11.

Stress eaters tend to eat high-carb foods because these foods trigger an increase in the brain chemical serotonin, which has a calming effect. It is almost like self-medicating. Many people binge on starchy foods to make themselves feel better.

Relaxation techniques as well as exercise, which also burns calories and provide other health benefits, are recommended.

One thing I recommend if the stress is there, just don’t buy the trigger foods. When the stress happens, try and occupy your mind with something else. Keep your hands busy. Just remember this will pass and you will have to face the reality of overeating, if that is what you have done. That will just add more stress to the situation. Just stay focus and stay firm in your mind set to loose weight. Like I said, it will pass. Read step 12.

Keep on keeping on……making better choices for a healthier you!