You’ve done it all: Hit the gym at ungodly hours when your body was SCREAMING for more sleep, you’ve cut out entire food groups and tried fasting (starving), and yet, you just can’t get rid of the extra pounds or get the energy you should – surely – be getting from such a ‘healthy’ lifestyle. Trouble is – you’ve also boosted your stress and fat ‘storing’ hormones – cortisol and insulin.
When in balance, your body utilises the nutrients you feed it, to sustain effort and wellbeing. When not in balance – ie, when you’re pushing too hard, your body will go into fight or flight mode, as the intake of nutrients and recuperation are insufficient to sustain wellbeing. And although some (most) think that’s a good thing – ie: no pain no gain – you’re only putting your body into ‘deficient mode’ and creating depletion and dis-ease.
What’s the solution?
- Diet is vital to reduce insulin/cortisol, so cutting out inflammatory refined sugars is a good start, but more importantly, ADD more good fats, protein and variety from ALL food groups.
- Never exercise on an ‘empty tank’- your metabolism cannot burn calories if it’s not stoked up with fuel. The only reserves it will use up are essential nutrients.
- Listen to your body. Endurance or intense sports are not beneficial for all ages and bodies.
- Relax and move more. Breathe deeply, take breaks, include more movement into your day-to-day.
Always do what feels right for you!
Nathalie 🙂
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