I Only Looked at the Cake
Why am I not losing weight * Could it be your Hormones
Being careful about what you eat yet still unable to lose weight
Is this battle with the bulge ever going to end.
Exercise and still not lose weight.
Hormones may be to blame.
There a 6 hormones which can stop your metabolism from going into Fat Burning Mode.
Here is how to Recognise them and Re-Boot them.
1. Insulin Hormone
Insulin is a hormone and this is how the body regulates glucose (from foods) to store energy in the form of fat.
When you eat carbs the body coverts it straight into glucose as it is a quick energy fix which is saves for later in the form of fat.
Solution Lower your carb intake and replace it with protein and high fibre grains
Why - Your body needs carbs to breakdown proteins and if you reduce your carbs the body has to convert fat back into energy to breakdown the protein and the high fibre grains means your body is working at getting rid of waste properly.
2. Cortisol is the Stress Hormone
Cortisol is a stress hormone which is supposed to regulate your reaction to stressful situations. Being Stressed for long periods can lead to cortisol staying in the body which upsets the whole body function, the sleep pattern and how the body is supposed to relax. So you tend to crave certain foods such as crisps, sweets and readily available processed foods.
Solution - Easier said than done but small changes can start the process to Break the cycle.
Reduce your Caffeine or at least do not have any 5 hours before you usually go to sleep
Phones – computer games or Computer work - Try to switch them off at least 1 hour before you go to bed (reduce the stimulation or anticipation of waiting for a message)
Cortisol can be cancelled with the mood lifting endorphins so that means exercise, even a 15minute walk, any exercise will do as look as you like doing it and it makes you feel better afterwards.
Sleep if you can for 7 hours, if your body is relaxed it heals and can get rid of cortisol.
Foods which are high in tryptophan and melatonin Do look them up to see which ones suit you but here are a few.
Seeds & Nuts High in Tryptophan (%RDI per ounce): Chia Seeds (44%), Sesame Seeds (39%), Sunflower Seeds (35%), Flaxseeds (30%), Pistachio Nuts (29%), Cashew Nuts (24%), Almonds (21%), and Hazelnuts (Filberts) (19%)
Fruits and vegetables (tart cherries, corn, asparagus, tomatoes, pomegranate, olives, grapes, broccoli, cucumber)
Grains (rice, barley, rolled oats)
Nuts and Seeds (walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, mustard seeds, flaxseed)
3. Estrogen Hormone
Estrogen this hormone is responsible for a keeping the weight in balance as is regulates the insulin level and keeps the glucose in check ready to be used up. It is also partly responsible for the middle age spread in women when the menopause seems to keep hold of fat especially around the endocrine area. (lower tummy)
Balance Your Estrogen Levels these are a few examples but do your homework on what foods suit you.
Seeds: flaxseeds and sesame seeds.
Fruit: apricots, oranges, strawberries, peaches, many dried fruits.
Vegetables: yams, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, kale, celery.
Soy products: tofu, miso soup, soy yogurt.
Dark rye bread.
Legumes: lentils, peas, pinto beans.
Olives and olive oil.
Chickpeas.
4. Leptin Hormone
This hormone is responsible for Overeating as when it is out of sync, the body does not recognise when it is full and can result in putting on the pounds.
When you eat food high in fructose or processed foods the leptin levels can go a bit haywire so keeping a check on these foods can keep the body out of I´m always hungry mode. Start looking at the food labels to see what the ingredients are and check for levels of fructose.
5. Testosterone you need it To Burn Fats Better
Testosterone is very important as it part of the metabolism process. If you have not got enough it can lower your muscle and increase your fat balance when we all want higher muscle and lower fat. Be aware of the foods that lower the testosterone such as bread, sugary drinks and alcohol also be aware of too much testosterone in the body and adjust your foods to balance.
6. Get your Thyroid Active To Improve Metabolism
Your Thyroid plays and huge part in body weight regulation. An underactive thyroid can cause your metabolism to become slow and bring on weight gain as well as tiredness which makes exercise a challenge . Do seek medical advice if you think your Thyroid is out of sync.
