Cortisol another cause for stubborn belly fat.

Well we only need two more followers for me to share what readily available foods will help you decrease your belly fat.  In the mean time I will share with you another factor that may increase belly fat. 

Cortisol is a hormone that we release in times of stress.  It causes our body to produce excess insulin and stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism so we will have a quick energy source for emergencies. The problems is that after the danger is over we keep the high levels of insulin which causes us to crave carbohydrates.  We are not sure why but people with higher levels of cortisol have a tendency to have more abdominal fat.  One thing that is certain is that no peer reviewed journal or study has ever been done to prove that weight loss pills claiming to decrease cortisol levels are actually effective. So, don't waste your money on these products.

What can you do to reduce cortisol?  Well, we can't take the stressors out of our lives but we can change how we react to these stressors.  In lam ens terms we are going to have to learn to let things go and not stress about what we can't change.  For me I turn to God to help take my stress away.  As soon as I think of something stressful and begin to worry I ask God to take it from me because it is too much for me.  I also visualize myself falling into his hands and comforting me.  I am not perfect and I do not do this every time but it has really helped me let go.  I am also learning to be OK with not being perfect.  None of us are so lets just all stop pretending and lower the bar a bit. 

Exercise!  This is not the first time nor will it be the last time that I talk about the importance of physical activity.  Our bodies were made to move and moving them will help release those stress hormones.  You don't have to go to the gym or be on a team.  Just stop what you are doing an do some darn push-ups (modify if you need to) and a few jumping jacks.  Something is ALWAYS better than nothing.

I would love to hear how you let go of stress.  I bet there are a lot of great ideas out there so please share with the rest of us!  I can't wait to learn from you.

God bless!