Tag Archives: Stress

October 4, 2013

LISTEN UP ALL CHOCOHOLICS!

Chocolate

A recent study found that daily consumption of roughly 40g (one and a half ounces) of dark chocolate reduced the stress hormone cortisol.

Researchers suspect that certain compounds in chocolate, like caffeine and theobromine, may be responsible.

And, as if you even need another reason to indulge, a study has found that adults who ate moderate amounts of chocolate regularly were actually thinner than those who didn’t, even though they consumed more calories and exercised the same amount.

Look for chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa – the darker, the better – and enjoy!

March 1, 2013

DE-STRESS FOR A FLATTER STOMACH.

De-stress

A flabby mid-section is notoriously hard to shape up, and it often comes down to stress. Even if you eat well and exercise, leading a stressful lifelstyle can stop you losing inches.

When the body is under long-term physical stress, levels of the hormone cortisol shoot up, which can cause your body to hold onto fat around the waistline.

Cortisol effects appetite, causing you to crave sugary, high fat foods. These foods stimulate the brain to release neurotransmitters such as serotin and dopamine which, although soothe stress, are bad news for your body.

To counter the effects of cortisol, get yourself some consistent, solid sleep (ideally seven to nine hours a night) to allow your body to relax and recuperate.

You can also try stress-soothing foods such as oily fish, which helps regulate cortisol, or turkey, which boosts serotonin.

And, if that isn’t enough to make you want to chill-out and put your feet up, a recent study by Columbia University Medical Centre found the effects of stress are as damaging to your heart as smoking five cigarettes a day!

February 20, 2013

COMBAT STRESS WITH EXERCISE.

I could write a long list of all the benefits exercise gives us, but one that is maybe most overlooked, yet probably relates to 99% of us, is it’s ability to relieve stress.

Physical activity helps to use up the excess energy produced by the stress response. In fight-or-flight mode, the body is ready for intense physical activity.

By exercising, the stress response runs its course, and the body returns to a physiological normal.

Even if you don’t feel like exercising, push yourself to do something, however light. It will do wonders for your mental state and help to make you feel much more positive.

TOP TIP: Work out with a friend or partner. It’s a great way to get healthy, whilst have fun too!