Cortisol, belly fat and me

Home Forums Nutrition & Diet Cortisol, belly fat and me

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #13191
    luuphong
    Member

    Hello,

    I’ve recently come across something a psychologist has written and I’d like your opinion. The topic is how we think and the way it affects our bodies. She writes:

    “Your life is a result of your thinking. Therefore you should care more about what thoughts go through your mind than anything else in your life. . .if you are engrossed in thoughts of fear, hatred and frustration you are draining your energy level.”

    And here’s what she wrote that really struck me:

    “You can drink all the carrot juice and eat all the sprouts and raw food you want but if poison is leaking from your mind into your body all day long then what are the chances those healthy practices will be successful?”

    Which leads me to my question which is: are you aware of any scientific study which states conclusively that good nutrition will reduce cortisol levels? If I am negative and uptight, all this distress is going right to my belly. I don’t understand how what I eat is going to help me lose weight if how I’m thinking is the real culprit. I don’t understand the role of nutrition in the context of anxiety/cortisol related weight gain. If you could point me to a scientific study that proves eating well can lower cortisol levels to the point where significant belly fat can be reduced I would be impressed.

    A quick run through of meals:

    Here’s what up. Let me know if I am on the right track.

    I wake up: On an empty stomach I take two Rhodesia energy pills. 30 minutes later I have my whey protein shake and a slice of whole wheat pita bread and then it’s on to the gym

    Lunch: one piece of salmon, salad, and glass of water. I think you suggested rice along with that.

    Throughout the afternoon: an apple, some pita with babba ganoush, water, banana

    Dinner: one lean piece of grilled chicken, corn on the cob, water

    Evening snack: maybe some corn or another piece of fruit.

    The issue you had with my diet was lack of complex carbohydrates. Is what I’ve outlined above more in line with that you’re suggesting?

    I would also like to know at what point you would arrive at the conclusion that all the “right eating” has not resulted in weight loss. How would you know when your prescription has not been successful given the enormous amount of time these things require to take affect?

    Thanks for your input

    #13213

    Hi, luuphong. The connection to stress has been discussed extensively, and is accepted by many.
    Regarding your interest in a study regarding diet, attached is a link to an example http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17223986. Some of the bridging research between concepts can sometimes be conflicting and/or with extreme short-term interventions, so the this program works is based on a compromise that can be sustainable.
    Regarding the menu sample you posted, it looks good. Yes, I would recommend adding a whole grain to your lunch meal. I would also suggest you add a source of protein to your evening snack – it is best not to have just carbohydrates in a last meal of the day.
    PS: What are Rhodesia energy pills?

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.