Dietitian: Here are the six warning signs you’re under stress – and why it leads to more belly fat
- A dietician explained why running on stress hormones leads to weight gain
- Recommends exercising, but not too heavy and going to bed earlier to reduce it
A dietician has shared the six warning signs that you are under stress hormones and why it leads to health problems, weight gain and sleep deprivation.
Leanne Ward, from Brisbane, said if you’re trying to lose weight, improve your gut health or manage your mental health, your stress levels are the most important thing.
“Too often people fail to manage the small, daily stress and let it build up until it explodes or, worse, leads to a full-blown long-term burnout,” Leanne wrote. Instagram.
A dietician (Leanne Ward, pictured) has shared the six warning signs you’re running on stress hormones and why it leads to health problems, weight gain and lack of sleep
The first warning sign is regularly experiencing an increased heart rate.
A normal resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but this can vary from minute to minute.
Your age and general health can also affect your heart rate, so it’s important to remember that a “normal” heart rate can vary from person to person.
The second warning sign you’re running on stress hormones is if you feel tired at night, but then have trouble sleeping because you’re “too wired.”
A good way to reduce this is to cut out all blue light an hour before bed, take a warm but not too hot shower, and read before turning off the light.
Leanne also said she’s a fan of guided meditation and deep abdominal breathing before bed — all of which are great ways to relax.
The first warning sign is experiencing an elevated heart rate on a regular basis, said Leanne (pictured); a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute
The third sign that something isn’t right is if you’re worried about everyday tasks or if you often feel overwhelmed.
Fourth on the list is “a lot of brain fog and trouble thinking clearly.”
For this, Leanne recommends a journal to clear the mind, or even a cold shower that has countless health benefits, including boosting your circulation, improving your metabolism, and boosting your immunity.
Finally, Leanne said that if you have regular sugar cravings, bloating, or constipation, it’s another sign from your digestive system that something isn’t right.
To counteract this, it is best to opt for a diet that is rich in fiber – so think of enough fruit and vegetables.
You should also watch out for hair loss, menstrual irregularities, and skin rashes – which may mean nothing on their own, but when accompanied by some of the other symptoms, they could mean something bad.
When it comes to Leanne’s strategies for reducing your overall stress load, she recommends getting some exercise, but not too much — because, paradoxically, it can have a negative effect.
When it comes to Leanne’s other strategies for reducing your overall stress load, she recommends exercise, but not too much — because, paradoxically, it can have a negative effect.
The dietitian also said you could try guided meditation, fresh air, and going to bed half an hour earlier every night.
You should also look at your diet and make sure you get a balanced plate for your meals and snacks.
Ideally, a plate should contain half vegetables, a quarter protein, and a quarter complex carbohydrates.
You should then top it with a drizzle of healthy fats, such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado.