I often work with women or listen to women who are struggling with losing weight. “I’ve been working out every day and yet I can’t lose those last 5 pounds”. Or, “I eat so healthy! I’m paleo – I’m vegan – I’m macrobiotic! And, still, I can’t lose it”.
It can sometimes feel like you’re constantly fighting towards something to get there. But, you can’t quite get there.
Hey there career woman – would I be correct in saying this….
Is the trouble in your mid-section (ie. tummy area)?
Do you feel bloated all-the-time?
Do you feel completely unsexy, uncomfortable in your own skin sometimes?
Oh my god, friend, I get you. I have been there too! Weight loss is sometimes a tricky thing and it gets even harder the older we get. Hello 40!!!
But, now let me ask you this set of questions:
Are you in a stressful career?
Is your home or personal life stressful?
Are you constantly eating in a hurry?
Do you not get restful and abundant sleep?
Are you fatigued all-the-time?
Are you short-tempered?
Do you have brain fog?
(PS. I’ve been there too!)
Then…the #1 reason why you may be struggling to lose weight is S-T-R-E-S-S!
Are you surprised to learn this? Maybe not. But, my friend, I have been there too.
Here’s the low-down on stress. When we are in a state of stress, our body almost goes into lock-down. Normally when we begin to feel hungry, our blood sugar drops and the brain sends a message to the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol then activates glucose, fats, and amino acids to keep our body fueled with energy until we eat. Cortisol maintains blood sugar levels, and insulin helps our cells absorb glucose.
But, when we have longterm stress, both insulin and cortisol remain elevated in the blood, and the extra glucose is stored as fat–mostly in the abdomen. It’s quite the thing actually. The body is storing all that for those times when we might be in a dire situation (i.e. starvation mode).
And, that’s the thing. When we’re in a stressful situation, that body of ours is just protecting us. But, it’s detrimental to our health when we’re in a long term stressful situation.
You need to get that in check girl! Now, if you begin to manage stress and yet there is still issues with weight loss, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or naturopath to assess your thyroid function. Allergies are also an issue to look into as well.
Here are 5 resources to help you along, my friend:
Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep With This
5 Signs That You May Be Headed To Burn Out
Why Over-Exercising May Be Sabotaging Your Health
The 5 Critical Changes I Took To Relieve My Burn Out
5 Ways To Improve Your Sleep Routine
You’ll get there, I promise. With a few tweaks and adjustments, you’ll be able to feel your vibrant, energetic, sexy self again! Get started, take a few queues, and leave me a message to let me know how you are feeling!
Julie Pecarski and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
All material on Julie Pecarski is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
