Why dieting is a mind game

We all know the formula to weight loss: eat less, exercise more. However, there is one dieting secret that often sabotages even the most well intentioned healthy dieters: stress. Whether it is stress in your job, with your family, or even with the idea of dieting, the higher the stress level is in your life, the more likely it is your body will keep those last 5, 10, or 15 pounds. Here’s why:

When the body is stressed our adrenal glands produce adrenaline and cortisol which releases what we need for energy (stored sugar) and converts protein to energy, so our bodies have what they need to be ready to react. Think about our ancestors having to get enough energy to run from a predator: we evolve, but not that fast! While it is normal for the body to ready itself when needed (ancestors running from a wild boar or getting ready for a big client presentation), if the adrenal glands are in a constant state of overproduction (e.g. stress) they stop functioning correctly. This rise in arousal level is great as a short term response, but constantly being in a state of stress drains our adrenal glands. Now our bodies stop producing the necessary level of cortisol all together. The end result: you are stressed and cannot convert stored energy (fat/protein/sugar) into anything, so it just sits there unused.

When it comes to dieting, one can quickly see how stress about the last few pounds can quickly backfire.

Going from a high stressed word to instant zen is not realistic for most people, but there are ways of reducing stress so it does not sabotage your healthy eating habits and diet. Here are two ways you can start in under 10 minutes a day!

1) Do Yoga. You do not need to meditate for an hour, but doing cat pose, child’s pose, or downward dog for 90 seconds first thing in the morning or when stress hits can go along way to keeping your adrenal function and diet on track. Photos of your favorite yoga poses put right next to your bathroom sink so you can do 2 of them for 2 minutes in the morning while your hair air dries.
2) Name your stress: If you find yourself constantly in a state of stress, find out why. You may not be able to change your job or boss, or even stop you children from running in the house, but you can identify the cause of stress and name it.
3) Find your 5 minute fix: Do you tend to over eat when you get home from a stressful day or when the kids are running around during their “witching hour”? Find something that calms your heart rate. Even brushing your teeth for 2 minutes after a big day can do wonders for making you stop moving and help you recharge. I have my iPod loaded with relaxation music and ready. A great choice: 5 minutes of relaxation Dagkar Taso Mila’s Cave, by Nawang Khechog will surely put those stress driven cravings to bed and get you ready to finish your healthy day.