Your Hormones & Your Weight Loss

1. Cortisol: Cortisol is also known as the fat storage hormone and becomes elevated during times of stress. Normally this isn't an issue but when you are stressed on a regular basis this powerful hormone can cause you to store fat in your abdominal area. This is the most dangerous area to have excess fat since it is surrounding your internal organs. There have also been some studies that tie cortisol to high caffeine consumption and sleep deprivation.

2. Insulin: This hormone acts like a gate keeper by allowing nutrients to be deposited into cells. When your blood sugar is elevated insulin is released to remove the excess sugar. In most cases, your liver and muscles will be full of glycogen (sugar). Because of this, insulin has no choice but to send the sugar to your fat cells. This is one of the reasons that eating sugary foods or processed carbs is dangerous. Insulin levels can also be spiked by eating large portions. Food quality and quantity both count.

3. Ghrelin: Ghrelin is the hormone that is responsible for increasing your appetite. People who do not get the proper amount of sleep (7-8 hours) tend to have higher levels of ghrelin. Studies have shown that people with elevated ghrelin levels tend to crave foods that are calorie dense and high in carbohydrates. For obvious reasons this can quickly derail your weight loss program.

4. Leptin: This hormone is an appetite suppressor. It lets your body know when you are satisfied. This normally isn't an issue unless you are distracted. Several studies have shown that people will eat more when they are watching television. In this case, it is important that your portion sizes are determined before you start eating. Leptin levels are also tied your sleeping habits. Leptin levels are lower in people who do not get the proper amount of sleep.

These are just a few of the hormones that you have to keep in mind as you are losing weight. As you can see, stress and lack of sleep can destroy your weight loss efforts. Your hormones are more powerful than any workout or meal plan. Make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep and adding a stress relieving activity to your routine.

Enjoy!