Beat Stress and Lose Weight

1. Exercise. Working out, no matter how intensely instantly reduces stress and cortisol levels. Lift weights or go for a walk or two during the day to manage stress.

2. Eat slowly. When we’re stressed, we eat faster. So it goes to reason that by slowing down at mealtime we’ll not only eat less before feeling full, but reduce our cortisol output.

3. Don’t Diet. Strict dieting can actually increase cortisol levels by 18%. When you’re hungry, you’re stressed. Dieting can also lower blood sugar which will intensify cravings. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and avoid fad or restrictive diets.

4. Give In to Cravings. Indulge in your favorite dessert or snack occasionally (but avoid binging) to keep cortisol under control and your happiness in check.

5. Limit Caffeine. If drink caffeine while stressed, it can raise your cortisol output an additional 25%. The more coffee or caffeine you consume over the course of the day, the higher your cortisol rises.

6. Eat a Healthy Breakfast. Eating a breakfast high in B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium (think OJ, grapefruit, whole grain cereal with strawberries or whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and yogurt) will reduce cortisol levels and decrease food cravings later in the day.

7. Sleep Well. Last but certainly not least, getting enough sleep may be the best way to beat stress and lose weight. Sleep deprivation is a major stressor and can increase your appetite for sweet and salty snacks by 23%. Get 7-8 hours of shut-eye a night and you’ll feel better and eat less.