Lots of people come to a nutritionist for weight loss. They understand the concept that when energy in does not equal energy out then you put on weight. Simple right ? Well, not quite. In an ideal world where our bodies are functioning at their optimal level putting on weight can be as simple as reducing your energy intake. So why doesn’t this work all the time ?? Much frustration (and hunger) has come from restricting calories only to not lose weight and in some cases actually put weight on. So what is going on ?

Each body is unique. It has its own way of functioning – metabolism, hormones, age, genetics, all contribute to your body’s story. However one of the underlying factors that can sabotage our weight is stress. Stress, that state which we are increasingly finding ourselves in and which our modern world would have us believe is ‘normal’. As I’ve mentioned before – a degree of stress is not a bad thing. It helps us get up in the morning and get things done. However if that state of stress becomes chronic and we are finding that we are stressed more often then not then our friendship with stress starts to sour. Our body, thinking we are about to fight (or take flight) from the nearest predator starts to hold onto its reserves. It’s in survival mode and what it needs is energy. It may also have you reaching for more food, usually of the comfort variety. Of course, you’re not really taking flight – your sitting in traffic or meeting a deadline and so the energy reserves get stored rather than used – mostly around your belly. Sound familiar ? Do this day in and day out and not only does your body keep storing the energy as fat but it also becomes inflamed. With inflammation comes more internal stress on your body and so the cycle continues and so the weight does not budge. It’s enough to make you stressed 😉

So what is one to do?

Relax !  As part of your weight loss program factor in a little relaxation time. I’m not talking about an hour of mediation 3 times a day. Start with as little as 5-10 minutes a day. When you feel the stress coming on – remember to breathe (yes that bumper sticker can teach us a thing or two). A few deep breaths can help shift our nervous system out of fight and flight mode and help you cope with the task at hand. And not only will a little relaxation help our weight but it will also make us healthier overall – not a bad state to be in I think you’ll agree.