Hormones, hormones, hormones!
If you’re feeling less than your best, are doing all of the right things but still not seeing results, or are in menopause and struggling to lose weight now that you’re “hormonal,” it’s time to check “under the hood” and address your hormonal regulation!
The truth of the matter is hormones play a key role in fat loss. While they can be tricky to navigate, don’t be discouraged! With the right approach, your body can release fat and actually use hormones to an advantage! Because hormones support vital functions within the body, including our ability to maintain muscle, lose body fat, feel hungry, and experience stress, it’s important to know what to do!
So, how do you maximize weight loss success while minimizing hormonal imbalances?
Let’s dive into three hormones that affect fat loss - and simple ways you can balance them to burn fat!
Insulin
Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to use glucose for energy. Glucose is a type of sugar found in many carbohydrates. It decides how much of the calories you eat will be stored as fat. Focusing on healthy habits can help improve insulin sensitivity, such as:
-Regular exercise
-Sufficient sleep
-Whole food nutrition diet
-High fiber
-Complex carbohydrates
Leptin
Leptin is the hormone that regulates your appetite and tells you when you’re full. The word actually originates from the Greek leptos, meaning “thin.” It also controls how many calories your body burns. If leptin is out of whack, your hunger and cravings will increase. A few lifestyle changes to help lower leptin include:
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Exercise regularly
-Improve your quality of sleep
Estrogen
Estrogen has a strong influence on body fat distribution, affecting your shape and potentially shuffling fat cells to the thighs and hips. When estrogen levels drop, women may gain more fat in their midsections. This is why belly fat during menopause occurs! Some suggestions to balance estrogen are:
-Eat a balanced diet of protein, fruit, and vegetables.
-Incorporate strength training with weights and a toning regimen that targets the deeper and lower muscles of your abs..
-Talk to your doctor about getting your hormone levels checked.
Where do I start?
How can you optimize these important hormones?? You’ll be off to a strong start when you:
Make whole food nutrition the focus. .
Exercise regularly, and exercise smart.
Manage stress as much as possible.
Prioritize sleep quality and quantity.
By focusing on a whole food diet, eating a balance of macros – protein, healthy carbs, and healthy fat – at each meal, prioritizing rest, and incorporating exercise, you’ll be on your way to balancing your hormones and getting lean!
We will encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle that will have a positive impact on your health, body weight, and hormone production. All of our strategies work together to keep your hormones balanced and have you feeling your best! Plus, who doesn’t want to burn fat, boost their metabolism, and increase their energy as they age?
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