Big Waistline Solutions
I call it “big waistline solutions” because when you take care of your waistline, you can control your weight, blood pressure, and improve your sleep. For many years, big waistline has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Recently data has surfaced that shows the connection between big waistline and memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and even early death. So, if there are solutions to get rid of that belly fat why not explore them? While there are no quick and easy solutions to anything in life, I strongly believe that setting realistic goals is the key to success. Solution # 1: Stress Control Stress (both acute and chronic stress) leads to release of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. As a result of this cortisol, there is fat accumulation around the waist. The longer the period of stress lasts, the more fat accumulates in the abdomen. The waistline becomes larger and as time passes, the fat hardens in this area and becomes very difficult to get rid of. What can you do about it? Start by identifying the source(s) of stress in your life. If it is not possible to avoid them alltogether, find a stress reduction method that works for you, such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or Thai Chi. Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have found that just 30 minutes of yoga a week could prevent waistline expansion in normal weight people, and that it could also help overweight people to lose those extra pounds. Here are some more proven ways to significantly reduce your stress level: massage & spa therapy, having a pet, traveling for fun, volunteering, and maintaining hobbies. Or try my favorite do-it yourself Quick stress relief techniques. Solution # 2: Sleep Improvement
Sleep is usually the one solution that most people leave out of their New Year's resolutions. Big mistake! Lack of sleep is related to fat accumulation around the waist. No surprise here. People who get only 2 to 4 hours of sleep are 67% more likely to become obese, and people getting 6 hours of sleep per night are 27% more likely to become obese than those getting 7 to 9 hours. The reason behind this is that sleep deprivation decreased the level of leptin (hormone that suppresses the appetite). This in turn makes you eat more and store more fat. Sleep deprivation can also affect your sex drive. Therefore, the best and most inexpensive solution to a big waistline is consistently getting a good night’s sleep. One way you can get better sleep is by using the ancient method of Feng Shui. Sleep is your body's way of repairing and regenerating so do not deprive yourself of sleep in order to go to the gym or run for miles before dawn. Listen to your body- if you feel constantly tired and run down, just slow down, get more sleep and think about talking to your physician. Solutions # 3: Healthy Eating Habits
I am sure you are going to love this: A study (conducted by UCSF), published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, indicated that the urge to indulge while under stress might actually serve a biological purpose: "a high-calorie food may have the power to make us feel less stressed out".
Wow. So now what? We can eat all the fried chicken, honey BBQ ribs and double chocolate fudge, topped with ice-cream that we want, and forget all about those big waistline solutions? Woohoo! Sorry guys, but this is not what the study recommended, and this is definitely NOT what you should do! While you can eat some of the comfort food you crave, you have to reduce the size of the portions to balance the caloric intake. Just to make sure we are all on the same page here because this is very important. You don’t need to deny yourself the comfort food you are craving when under stress. Instead you have to eat a smaller portion of it. You can do that because you are not feeling like you are sneaking food, hoping that no one will notice that the cheese cake is missing. No. You know that the cheese cake is there for you, but you don’t need the WHOLE thing, right? Because one slice will taste just as good, especially when eaten slowly in order to savor it. Don’t you just love that? You are in control now, not your stress! You can eat your favorite food and deal with your stress without adding additional stress because you deny yourself the food. Now, that is a nice waistline solution! In addition, you can always try some foods or drinks that boost your metabolism. My personal favorite calorie buster is cayenne peper. I sprinkle cayenne peper on sandwiches, salad dressing, meat, and BBQ sauce. Now, keep in mind that food can not only boost or slow down your metabolism, but it can also improve your sex life. Solutions # 4: Physical activity level I prefer to use the term physical activity instead of exercise. It is a broader notion that includes exercise and other activities, like walking, gardening, swimming, or even doing household chores. Some people hate to go to the gym- does it mean they are doomed to never be fit and healthy? No, of course not! It simply means that they need to explore other available options to stay physically active. I personally believe that anything that requires an extreme level of effort and sacrifice is not going to last long, and the benefits gained through this extreme effort will quickly be lost. Don’t push your self beyond your limits. There is nothing to prove. Exercise should not be strenuous or painful. Sports injuries and “weekend warriors“ are not wanted. Listen to your body. If it does not feel right- do not do it. The point is not to lose 10 lb in 2 weeks and gain it all back two weeks later. The point is to release stress and not create additional pressure on yourself by setting unrealistic goals. Only after reducing your stress level will you be able to lose 2-3lb in 14 days. Start with a simple act: Measure your waistline and set realistic goals. From Big Waistline Solutions Return To Home Page Check out Baby Boomer Bookstore and Health Products For Baby Boomers
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