Our bodies are genetically trained to hold onto weight when under stress. In order to lose weight, you also have to remove that stress, so your body releases the fat.

The main culprit is a substance known as cortisol. When you are feeling stressed, your body releases this into your system to give you a boost of energy to deal with that stress. However, since our bodies were developed to think stress = running top speed from an attacking wolf, the cortisol also boosts your hunger levels, assuming that you'll need to replenish your energy stores before the next attack.

Of course, in modern times, most of our stress comes when we are sitting at our desk. So we get the stress induced hormones, but then also the stress induced hunger cravings. So we eat - and get heavy.

Note that lack of sleep also causes an increase in levels of cortisol - so if you skimp on sleep, you make this problem worse.

So if you are looking to change your weight situation, a KEY ingredient could be to lower your stress levels. You can't control the outside world, but you CAN control your reactions to it. Set aside time for ample sleep. Set aside time for relaxation, whether it's 15 minute meditations before breakfast or 1/2 hour fun TV shows in the evening. Make this a critical part of every day. You and your health are worth it.

Reduce Stress = Reduce Carb Cravings