From conquering cravings to revving metabolism, hormones are the key to zapping flab. Here’s how to use them to your advantage.
The Secret (Really?) Battle of the Bulge
Hormones are responsible for more than just the occasional binge. Their ebb and flow in your body control nearly every aspect of your weight, from when you get hungry to where you’re most likely to store flab. Even fat cells themselves secrete multiple hormones.
Something else you may not know: You can make these powerful chemicals work for you.
“People have a lot more sway over their hormones than they think they do.” – Lena Edwards, M.D.
These strategies will help you take charge over five of the most influential hormones:
– LEPTIN
– CORTISOL AND SEROTONIN
– INSULIN
– IRISIN
Hormone LEPTIN
One of the many hormones produced by your fat cells is leptin, which plays a role in appetite control. Research has found that excess body fat can cause a condition known as leptin resistance, which means your brain isn’t affected by leptin even though your body contains higher levels of it.
Though it’s still unknown exactly why this occurs, one theory is that as fat cells crank out inflammatory chemicals that block the action of leptin, your body begins to think it’s starving. Obviously, that’s not really the case, but tho compensate for this perceived threat to survival, your metabolism slows down and your brain sends constant hunger signals in an effort to force you to eat, especially high-calorie foods.
Balance Out Hormones
The good news is that leptin resistance can be combated with diet and exercise.
One thing that could help:
Try eating one cup of vegetables before 10 AM each day.
Scott Isaacs, M.D., an endocrinologist in Atlanta, has found that people who take this advice tend to be less hungry later in the day. Plus, along with satiating fiber, vegetables contain essential antioxidants and vitamins that have been shown to reduce the inflammation that interferes with leptin, which in turn helps increase fat burning and reduce your cravings.
This post was made possible by Melinda Moyer.
14 thoughts on “Role of Hormones On Metabolism And Weight Loss”
This post is so informative. I will share this to my sister, she is having a hard time conceiving due to hormonal imbalance and the doctor advises to have a healthy lifestyle.
I always eat fruit in the morning and vegetables with lunch and dinner but never thought about having vegetables in the morning. I’ll have to find a way to incorporate vegetables into my morning routine.
Starting the day in a healthy way is so important! It really helps keep your energy up too all day which is great!
This is the first time I heard about eating a cup of veggies in the morning. I am going to try this.
I have PCOS which makes weight loss extremely difficult and when there is a loss its very slow. It can be tough to stay motivated.
I have been doing really well eating healthier this year. I will have to try adding veggies in the morning.
This is such a great post. I love the idea of eating a cup of veggies before ten in the morning. I should try that one out! I do love eating fruits as well as veggies, so no problem there.
Interesting information! I have some issues with my blood sugar levels and I am seriously considering you tip of eating one cup of vegetables before 10am. I hope it helps me feel full longer. Thanks for sharing!a
I am currently trying to just eat healthier, not lose weight but the veggies in the morning is something I need to start doing. That is a great tip!
What a great tip with veggies in the morning!! It can be so frustrating trying to loose the bulge with hormones!
I am trying very hard to get my pre baby body back so I will definitely look into your suggestions. What an interesting idea to eat veggies before 10 am.
This is definitely why it’s important to eat healthy and to start your day with a good breakfast. It’s good to learn more about how our body functions so we can act towards making it better in the long run!
I’ve never heard of eating a cup of veggies in the morning. I usually have a servng of fresh spinach with breakfast. Maybe I should add more veggies in the mix. Thanks for sharing this!
Cascia,
Try this veggie in the morning tip.
Basically what it does, it puts more fiber and anti-oxidants into your blood stream.
Anti-oxidants are great to combat and deal with bodily inflammation. And fiber slows down the spikes in blood sugar.