Medical Information

It is easy to get obsessed with calorie consumption and exercise sessions when you are trying to shift those pounds. While diet and exercise are very important in any weight loss program, you need to be aware of the damaging effect that excessive stress can have on your weight and health. The effect stress can have on your heart has been well documented and it recognised as one of the contributory factors of heart disease, but its effect on your weight is not so well known.




When we are under high levels of stress, our bodies release cortisol which can lead to increased fat storage around the stomach area. People also can get very stressed out by their weight and this can lead to a viscous circle when they comfort feed to feel better. Unfortunately most comfort foods (such as chocolate) tend to be high in calories, so eating these will just lead to more weight gain and depression. The first step is to realise that you are suffering from stress, then you can deal with it.



There are plenty of ways you can deal with stress such as:-



1. Exercising



Regular exercise 3-4 times a week is a great way to relieve stress as well as helping you to burn calories and speed up your metabolism. Cardio workouts such as jogging and cycling help release endorphins in the body that give you a real feel good factor.



2. Relaxation Techniques



Taking in a couple of slow deep breaths will increase your oxygen intake and help you relax. Put by a couple of minutes each day for yourself, sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and do some deep breathing.



3. Rest the mind



A lot of people use meditation as a way to completely relax their mind and find their peaceful inner self. Yoga is also a very popular way of relaxing and gently working your body. Any exercise or activity which relaxes your mind and body in harmony has got to be good for banishing stress. The key is to try different things and find out what works for you.



It is easy to get a little stressed out with the hectic lifestyles we lead and a lot of people let off steam and relax by enjoying a few drinks in the evening. There is nothing wrong with this but alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation. Once you get to the point where you feel that you need it, and your drinking is getting heavier then its time to make some changes. Dependency on alcohol brings with it a whole new set of problems.



We are never going to be able to avoid stress all the time, but if we can find a way to relax naturally and unwind then we can learn to deal with it.



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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Waddington

What are the steps to lose your unwanted weight? Where to start?




So many times you came back to your place after a big day of shopping with almost empty hands. Why is that? Well, the reason is simple! Nothing fits you. Every time you look in the mirror - you find yourself a bit too heavy, you chose the clothes that you would like to wear but in the end all you can see is your belly and your hips. Especially after a long winter, it is because you have a tendency to move less then usual. Well, it means that it is time to loose weight!



The first thing that we all think about is a diet. But after a couple days of dieting, you are getting tiered and exhausted. All that because we cut off too much food and our body starts protecting itself and doesn't want to let go any of its reserves. So to see some real results, you have to choose the right way of eating and living.



Let's get to the first step, the most important one. You might think it is the obvious one but some people don't really consider it. So here it is: you have to set a realistic GOAL. Yes, that's right, a goal. Without it we can not move on because we can not see where we are going. Oh yes, maybe you did not notice but I sad a realistic goal. You will not be able to loose 10 pounds in 2 days for example. You will also have to get used to your body and to its behaviour so then you could lose the weight in a proper and secure way. By setting your goal it is also important to prepare yourself mentally to a change in your life. Think of it every day and try to find out how you should plan your healthy life.



Don't forget! Losing too much weight isn't good either. It could bring you to anorexia.



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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Banks