Is Stress Making You Fat?

In today’s lifestyle, stress is  widely prevalent. Does stress have a caloric value?  No, but it certainly impacts weight gain. 

In that case, looking at the calorie model where calories in and calories out are measured, how does stress stimulate fat gain?

It turns out there is more to weight loss than calories in versus out. Stress and other lifestyle issues alter the amount of calories eaten, and where the body stores the calories, according to some researchers. When looking at diet, exercise, and lifestyle, why does stress make a person fat?

The problem, researchers say, is when constant stress, whether real or perceived, appears to change behavior which is directly correlated to obesity. For instance, stress presents a desire for sugar and fat over regular meals of protein, low carbohydrates, and vegetables. 

Case in point, how many times have you reached for an Oreo versus a carrot in a stressful situation? Stress negatively impacts your decisions on choosing a healthy meal or snack. In contrast, stress, when exercising in high intensity, has a positive role. Here are some great ways to limit the fat-storing that can occur with stress.

1 Eat a well-rounded breakfast that includes: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The standard diet of cereal and orange juice registers as sugar in the body which leads to diseases such as diabetes.

2 Exercise: Complete high intensity exercise with weights. This intensity is different for everyone; one individual might perform weighted squats while a different person might engage in shallow squats. Monitor your own intensity.

3 Sleep: It’s essential to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

4 Eat protein: Get enough protein each day to counter the effects of insulin.  Protein protects the muscle in order to burn fat. Have five to six small meals each day which include lean protein in at least four of the meals.

High intensity resistance exercise three times each week is the best exercise option for removing belly fat. Grab some weights and incorporate some body resistance moves like push-ups and squats. Smart Fitness By Lisa has just the exercise program for you at the Horsham Community Center.