Belly Fat - Connected to Stress!

How would you describe your shape - are you growing pot above your waist? Belly fat is no laughing matter according to late breaking research... Belly fat's linked to capillary inflammation (leading to heart disease and stroke) and insulin resistance (precursor to diabetes).

Stress, it seems can be a killer with a two-edged sword. Stress according to Pamela Peeke, MD, frequently causes the belly fat. Disagree with your manager - eat some chips and slosh them down with cola. Too much to do in too little time - buy that triple chocolate cake on special. Kids get on your nerves - share pizza with the whole crew.

Too much stress causes the hormone Cortisol to flood your brain. And, unfortunately Cortisol sets off cravings for sugary, fat laden foods. And, like twisting the knife, Cortisol stimulates fat production in the abdomen. Cortisol minimizes your ability to think clearly and remember as well.

How you deal with stress starts with conscious choices. Pamela Peeke, MD pulls no punches...

You make the decision of whether or not you are Fit to Live by how you choose to think, what you put into your mouth, what you do with your body, how you spend your money, and how you exist in the world. You are answering the question, "Am I Fit to Live?" every day, with every choice you make.

For most of us, the answer is no--and we don't even know it.

Why not begin to target the flip side? Here're some starters...

Make New Food Choices

Five Servings of fresh fruits or veggies daily along with...
Nuts
Legumes
Whole Grains
Tuna and Salmon
Poultry
Avocados
Fruit Juices
Water in abundance

Makeover fat with muscle...

Weight lifting
Biking
Golf [no carts]
Moderate to Vigorous Aerobic Exercise
Total Strength Training Workouts

Use Stress Busters...

Listen to soothing or uplifting music
Step out of emotions - learn to react to anger in new ways
Picture times of enjoyment
Go outside and walk briskly
Ask a friend for ideas to bring pizzazz to your life

Be good to you... People are generally hardest on themselves. When you name and reach a milestone, treat yourself to a reward [other than food] :-)

Thoughts...