Craving for food when you’re stressed?Some people develop bulimia when they are stressed, and then induce vomiting following eating because of the stress of fear of being fat. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, up to 40 percent of people eat to relieve stress, and they often crave junk food.
The link between stress and cortisol and sugar cravings
Elevated stress hormone cortisol can lead to weight gain. Every time you’re stressed, your adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol, and as a result, glucose (your main source of energy) is released into your bloodstream, all to provide you with an escape from a dangerous situation (also known as fight or flight response).
And cortisol prompts sugar cravings, and because sugar provides your body with the quick energy it thinks it needs, it’s often the first thing you need when you’re stressed.
The disadvantage of consuming too much sugar is,Your body tends to store sugar, especially in stressful situations. This energy is primarily stored in the form of belly fat, which is especially difficult to expel.
Cortisol and Metabolism
In 2015, researchers at The Ohio State University interviewed women to observe the metabolic link between the stress they experienced the day before they were offered a high-fat, high-calorie meal. After eating, the scientists measured the women’s metabolic rate (the rate at which they burn calories and fat) and checked their blood sugar, cholesterol, insulin and cortisol levels.
The researchers found that, on average,Women who had one or more stressors in the first 24 hours burned 104 fewer calories than women who were not stressed，This can lead to a weight gain of 11 pounds in a year，Stressed women also had higher levels of insulin, a hormone that helps with fat storage.
Unhealthy Habits Caused by Stress
In addition to stress-related hormonal changes, stress can prompt you to engage in the following unhealthy behaviors, all of which can lead to weight gain:
◆ Emotional eating
◆ Eating readily available or fast food
◆ Less exercise
◆ not eating
◆ sleep less
How to break the cycle of stress and weight gain
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, healthy eating habits and regular exercise can easily be put on hold. Maintaining a schedule and routine can help you make these healthy behaviors a habit and combat stress-related weight changes. Here are some strategies that can help you break the cycle of stress and weight gain:
◆ Make exercise a priority
◆ Eat healthier comfort foods
◆ Practice mindful eating
◆ Keep a food diary
◆ drink plenty of water
◆ Incorporate stress-relief strategies into your daily routine
For more information, please refer toLight Depression Diary
