Recently, we heard a lot of people doing diet called the Cortisol Diet. Now what does this Cortisol Diet all about? Turns out it is a method of losing weight by managing stress. Here’s more information about the Cortisol Diet
Cortisol is a hormone the body produces under stress. Lots of fitness books have pointed out about a potential link between high levels of cortisol and excess abdominal fat.
The idea is that dieting - which produces stress for most of us - increases cortisol levels. And for women who have dieted on and off again throughout life, they may end up looking more like “apples” than “pears” because of bigger waistlines that may be associated with high cortisol levels. The negative effect of stress caused by isn’t all what meets the eye either. Real health risks accompany excess fat in the abdomen - like increased chances of developing diabetes and even heart disease.
A study published last year have demonstrated that women who constantly restrict food (that is, who constantly forced themselves to diet) have higher levels of cortisol. Researchers speculate that this high cortisol level may cause bone illness. Other studies suggest cortisol levels may be a predictor of fractures for older adults.
Well forgot about the stress hormones, only stress itself makes it harder for women to put their good intentions into action. It puts us on edge, sometimes making the least challenge something that causes us to mindlessly revert back to old, unhealthy habits.
So How Do We Reduce Stress?
In order to reduce stress we need to live a healthy lifestyle such as:
1. Feed yourself well.
Forget calories and fat grams. Instead, focus on feeding yourself balanced meals and snacks when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re satisfied. Most of us get hungry about every 3-5 hours, but if you’re not sure when you’re hungry and when you’re not, try putting yourself on a schedule that starts with breakfast and includes lunch and dinner and 2-3 snacks, if hungry. Also be sure to eat balanced meals that include Grains/Starchy Vegetables, Protein Foods and Fruits &/or Vegetables. If you’re particularly hungry between meals, make sure your snacks include Protein Foods, which may help you be better satisfied. For a list of the types of foods that qualify as Grains/Starchy Vegetables, Protein Foods and Fruits &/or Vegetables, see our healthy eating recipes section.
2. Flush away the term “good,” “bad,” and “forbidden” foods.
Bottom line: If we forbid a food, it often makes us want it more. So learn to eat all foods, and learn to tune in to what you really want, not just what you think you want because you “shouldn’t” have it.
3 . Move and exercise your body regularly.
There’s much more to physical activity than burning calories. It’s a tremendous stress reducer, and its feel-good benefits kick in almost immediately! Make your regular physical activity something you look forward to by coming up with fun ways to move your body. Try dancing, skiing, snowshoeing, gardening, playing catch with the kids. And, remember, you don’t need to devote long periods every day to physical activity. If your day is already too busy, you can work your activity in to your daily routine and still get important benefits.
4. Think positively about yourself and your body.
Just imagine that you’ve been eating well, you’ve been moving your body regularly, and you’re feeling great. You have been wanting to get fitter for some time now, and you feel like you’ve gotten off to a great start. Then you happen to glance over in the store window and see your reflection. How do you feel now?
5. Take time for yourself every day.
Whether it’s 10 minutes to reflect and relax, or whether it’s some fun activity that will revitalize you. You need to pamper your own body! Make a list of activities that you really like and try to find time for at least one every day. Here are a few activities to get you thinking about what you can do to help yourself to regular “time-outs.”
6. Get a massage or foot reflexy.
7. Listen to a relaxation music.
8. Take a long, relaxing bubble bath.
9. Take a yoga class.
Above activities will certainly help you relieve tension and stress from your mind. Remember the motto, in the healthy body lives a healthy mind. If you think positively, positive stuff will come to you. And without realizing, you’d be 7 kg lighter when you keep thinking positively.
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