Why Are You Gaining Weight?
“Holli, I’ve put on 10 pounds!” “My pants don’t fit.” “I need to lose weight before the holidays!”
I’m hearing it wherever I go. Summer ended, and somehow instead of staying active, you got busy and distracted. Let some things slip. Your Nutritional Style got pushed aside. And here we are, entering the holidays.
And you’re kinda mad at yourself.
So, let’s step back and figure out why.. and then stop that puff/bloat in its tracks. OK?
Why ARE you gaining weight?
|| Stress & Worry: Stress produces the hormone cortisol, and sustained periods of stress can lead to increased appetite and weight gain. This past summer, I was thrown some curve balls related to my son’s health, and I became physically tired and hungry… unusually so.
If the stress of the new school year or a hectic fall work schedule has gotten to you these past few months, let’s get that under control, now, before the holidays begin.
Turn off your electronics each night, and allow yourself some time to just be. Take a shower or warm bath in the evening, instead of morning to wash the day away, and allow yourself to fully rest. And be sure to get to bed by 10pm. That seems to be the magic hour for most people; staying up later can cause you to rev back up and miss quality sleep.
|| Make good choices: Start with blueberry mint mojitos from summer, add in endless baskets of chips and salsa at your local Mexican hangout, and layer on one too many wine tastings.. it all adds up. When we overemphasis pleasure and skimp on basic self care like exercise, our system can get backed up and you won’t metabolize what you’re enjoying. If this sounds like you, I applaud your love of life, carpe diem!
But it’s time to settle down.
Commit to a new workout once or twice a week, or add at least 30 minutes of walking to your daily routine. Don’t dwell on your splurges, but be happy and move on.
|| Drink water: When we’re on the go and its hot outside, getting enough water is second nature. But once the temperatures fall and days get busier, it’s easy to forget. And forgetting to hydrate can slow your metabolism and create imbalance in your body.
Commit to making pitchers of your favorite hydrating beverage. For me, that’s purified water with citrus or cucumber slices or a large pot of Runa tea.
Don’t reach for processed sports drinks, an extra cup of coffee, or that afternoon snack, it’s easy to mistake hunger for thirst. Stay hydrated to keep hunger and fatigue at bay.
If you’re desperate for a reboot, try this cleanse kit from my good friend, Dr. Frank Lipman of Be Well.
Doing a 2 week cleanse before the holiday season gets underway will allow you to start anew, and enter the party season in style.
Commit now to eating, doing and being the best version of you.
Lot’s of Love,
Holli XO
