It’s not the gluten that’s holding you back from your dream body. Carbs aren’t the issue. It isn’t the wine either. It is stress.
Here’s what stress does to our bodies.
Stress elevates your cortisol levels. Cortisol isn’t inherently bad. In fact the cortisol response from HIIT is what helps us burn fat. But chronically elevated cortisol can lead to insulin resistance, which can cause fat storage.. particularly belly fat storage.
Chronically elevated cortisol can also lead to leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone created in our gut that tells our brain we are full. So if we are resistant to that, you can see how easy it could be to overeat.
Stress also elevated our catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) which are essential for fat burning, which is good in small doses. Chronically elevated stress can lead to catecholamine resistance leaving us with that wired but tired feeling.
Not to mention chronically elevated insulin + chronically elevated cortisol is a perfect storm for fat storage. However a little cortisol + HGH (we make this in our sleep) is the perfect storm for fat burning.
Stress causes us to burn through carbs (which is why post workout carbs are important), if can impact out digestion (poor digestion can also lead to lack of nutrient absorption) and stress can begin to impact thyroid function, progesterone levels and wreak havoc on our whole body.
Now that you understand the importance of handling stress, let’s discuss a few ways to manage it.
- Prioritize sleep. Sleep promotes growth hormone production, balances insulin and other hormones. If it’s between waking up to workout on 5 hours of sleep, or getting that extra hour, take the sleep. Yes, you will need to move other things around to get in your workout, but sleep comes first.
- Cut back or cut out all cardio. This depends on how deep down the rabbit hole you are. If you’re cravings are through the roof, you are missing periods or having other symptoms of hormone/ cortisol imbalance, I wouldn’t suggest doing any cardio. If you’re in a temporary (like few days or a week) stressed state, I would just back off. Keep your workouts more chill and meditative. Walk outside, focus on linking breath with movements as you lift or do chill yoga.
- Cut back/ out sugar, soy, artificial sweeteners, PUFA’s and possibly dairy and gluten. These are known gut irritants and can cause gut stress. Stress is stress and if we can do one less thing to stress our bodies, then do it. Chances are, if you’re in a state of chronic stress you’re already having some gut dysfunction so doing this should help alleviate that as well.
- Focus on parasympathetic activities. Our autonomic nervous system has two parts: sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest.) If you’re spending much of your life in a sympathetic state it’s good to get yourself into a parasympathetic state intentionally. This could include meditation, nature walking, journaling, breath work, etc. It should make you feel calm and chill.
- Prioritize eating whole, real food. You’re going to eat anyway, you have to. When you do make it about meat and veggies. The more micronutrients we consume, the more our body can heal itself.
- If you’re doing all of these things and still just feel overwhelmed, speak to someone in this realm like a therapist or life coach. Stress to the mind equates to stress on the body.
Stress can have really profound affects on the body so it is up to you to do something about it so it doesn’t take over your life.
If you’re ready to work with a coach who LISTENS and can meet you where you are with what you’ve got, sign up for online personal training.
Go to Kyrawilliamsfitness.com/signup to join.
Your Coach,
Kyra