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When I work with clients, I sometimes find that food and exercise choices are not the only factors affecting their weight loss goals.  I have had clients who were doing everything “right,” but they weren’t seeing results because the stress in their life was sabotaging their efforts.

When I work with clients, I sometimes find that food and exercise choices are not the only factors affecting their weight loss goals.  I have had clients who were doing everything “right,” but they weren’t seeing results because of the stress in their life. 

How does stress affect our metabolism? The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for both getting the digestive process going and for inhibiting digestion. When we are experiencing stress, the ANS turns digestion off.  When we are relaxed, the ANS turns digestion on. 

This is actually a survival mechanism, because when we are in a fight or flight state, our body sees this as an emergency situation. Our body doesn’t know the difference between stress caused by work and stress caused by being chased by a bear.  In either of these situations, our body is told to hold on to what we’ve got, because it’s not sure when we’ll get our next meal. 

Many studies have shown that cortisol production (the stress hormone) is associated with fat accumulation. This is because cortisol signals the body to store fat and not build muscle. 

What can you do to reduce stress and your cortisol production?  My overall advice is to slow down. In our society we tend to move at a very fast pace. We are often rushing through our day and our meals. Start by taking three deep breaths before you eat. You should notice your whole nervous system slowing down. Then, give yourself adequate time to eat and enjoy your food.  

Women: are you sick and tired of feeling unhealthy and down on yourself? 

If you are ready to make lasting lifestyle changes for yourself and your family, stop your war with food, and get healthy, Amy Lippmann, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, can help. 

Sample Amy’s work by listening to a F*REE AUDIO, “Finally, How to Get Healthy Meals on the Table, In No Time.”  You will also receive a complete transcript, pantry essentials list, her mix-and-match meal planning chart, healthy recipes, and much more. Grab your copy now at http://www.wellnesshealthcoaching.com and start feeling better about your health and fitness.

Amy Lippmann, H.H.C., AADP
Certified Holistic Health Counselor
Coaching for Whole Body Wellness
© 2008 Amy Lippmann, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article on your website or your own ezine? No problem! But here’s what you MUST include: Amy Lippmann, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, is founder of the Whole Body Wellness System™, the proven step-by-step program achieve your health goals and feel more confident in your body. To receive your freebie audio and sign up for her bi-weekly recipes and articles, visit www.WellnessHealthCoaching.com.

This Personal Development article was written by Amy Lippmann on 3/30/2008

Amy Lippmann is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor with a private health and lifestyle coaching practice. She works with women who are tired of continuously feeling bad about their health and struggle with feeling good in their body, energy level, cravings, and would like to figure out how to be healthy and take good care of themselves.

What makes her services unique is that she not only provides guidance, but also a level of support her clients have never had before. And because of this, Amy’s clients make lasting lifestyle changes, get peace and freedom around food so they can stop beating themself up, and they enjoy life more.