For you, fat loss may be the high priority. But for your body, it’s not. Your body is hardwired to help you survive, and your body’s desire to survive and your mind’s desire to get lean may not always jive.

I like to think of fat loss, (if you legitimately have fat to lose), as the natural consequence of taking care of your health. It’s not the goal: it’s the side effect. Just like weight gain is not the problem, it’s a symptom of the problem.

And while you may be doing ‘everything right’, your body still might not see the scale move. Which simply means, you’re not doing everything right FOR YOU.

Here’s how chronic stress can make you gain weight, or make it harder to lose weight:
✨ Inhibits protein synthesis and muscle growth, which can lead to a drop in metabolic rate
✨ Negatively impacts your thyroid hormone (and sex hormones)
✨ Increases symptoms such as chronic fatigue, irritability, and depression, reducing willpower and increasing the desire for sugary foods
✨ Leads to excessive blood sugar swings (hello cravings and energy drops!), and insulin resistance

Your body’s priority is survival. And if your body feels stressed, if your body senses danger, your body is going to dedicate any extra reserves to managing stress. As frustrating as it can be, know that your body never tries to work against you.

So take care of yourself. You don’t need to overhaul your life (because that might be stressful too!), but you can take small steps to coach up wellness and crowd out the chronic stressors.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

❤️ Swap out your personal care products for less toxic products as you run out
❤️ Exercise moderately (too much is a stressor on the body!)
❤️ Go to bed 1 hour earlier (unless you’re already going to bed by 9 like me😉)
❤️ Include downtime or white space in your to do list
❤️ Focus on protein, fat, and fibre at each meal to balance blood sugar
❤️ Start each day with gratitude
❤️ Cuddle with your loved ones (including your pets!)

You deserve to feel good,
-Tanja x