The Hidden Connection Between Stress And Belly Fat
Did you know stress is a big contributor to belly fat?
If you are looking to reduce belly fat, then de-stressing should be part of your program.
Cortisol, our stress hormone, plays a significant role in women storing belly fat. It should be called our Jekyll & Hyde hormone. It's what wakes us up in the morning and gives us that burst of energy to get out of bed. Harnessed the right way, through the right (and right amount of) exercise, it's what lights the fire under our fat burning. However, too much cortisol brings a whole heap of issues, including anxiety, insomnia, bloating, elevated blood sugar, and inflammation leading to weight gain.
A spike in cortisol has the power to inhibit fat burning and signal to the body to store fat instead. It can often be too much exercise or the wrong exercise that is likely to be the culprit for excess cortisol.
As we head into our 40s and our female sex hormones start their decline we become even more at the mercy of our cortisol hormone. It becomes overloaded trying to mop up where the others are checking out, which is why we are less tolerant to stress as we hit mid-life.
Remember, stress comes in different guises, not just day-to-day or emotional stress. Over-exercising and under-eating also negatively impact our bodies. Environmental factors and toxins add to this allostatic load.
Overwhelming stress for a healthier you
To overcome stress, you must be kinder to yourself. Rest becomes more important than exercise. Nourishing your body with wholesome foods and not starving it is critical. Doing things that make you happy will help offset stress. Eliminating toxins from your diet and cleaning and beauty products is key, as is keeping away from pollutants as much as possible.
At LOKfit, our programs take a holistic approach to health and well-being. They cover training, nutrition, and lifestyle, which are all closely entwined and impact each other.
Practical tips to de-stress and reduce belly fat
1. Prioritise Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep and incorporate rest days into your exercise routine.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and avoid extreme diets that lead to under-eating.
3. Moderate Exercise: Engage in the right type and amount of exercise. Avoid over-exercising as it can increase cortisol levels.
4. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress.
5. Toxin Reduction: Minimise exposure to environmental toxins by choosing natural cleaning and beauty products.
6. Enjoy Yourself: Spend time doing things you love and that make you happy, whether it's a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing.
Understanding the impact of stress on your body is crucial for effective fat loss, especially around the belly area. By incorporating stress management techniques, focusing on rest, nutrition, and the right kind of exercise, you can achieve your health goals. Remember, a holistic approach is key to a healthier, happier you.
At LOKfit, we are dedicated to guiding you through this journey with comprehensive programs that address training, nutrition, and lifestyle, ensuring all aspects of your well-being are harmoniously balanced.
Embrace a stress-free lifestyle, and watch the positive changes unfold in your body and mind. Here's to a healthier, fitter, and happier you!
Join the LOKfit Community
At LOKfit, our mission is clear: we aim to revolutionise fitness for women, aligning it with the latest research and shifting mindsets about training. Fitness is more than a goal; itβs a lifestyle, and itβs about preparing for and mastering mid-life. We provide a blueprint for women to understand their bodies and future-proof their health.
Get in touch today to book your free consultation.
Our latest Instagram posts
