Taking care of me

So today I skipped my usual Monday step class and went to Yoga instead. I just need to stretch after all of the walking in Charleston this weekend. Finally also came to the conclusion that part of my tummy troubles (the fact that my tummy holds a good portion of my weight) is probably that I don't get enough sleep. I don't know what made me think of it, but I have heard it before...here's what I found today... I need more sleep and less stress ~~~ More yoga, pilates, sleep, and healthier food more consistently...coming up!

Get More Sleep
He says that people who get eight hours of sleep have less severe stress than those with only 7 hours of sleep. Talbott explains, "Only a couple hours less of sleep can lead to more cortisol." He also recommends more relaxing activities, such as yoga.

Stress and belly fat
Talbott says the link between cortisol and belly fat comes from the signal the hormone sends for fat storage to your belly fat cells. The fat cells in your belly have more cortisol receptors, making them more sensitive to cortisol and causing them to respond more strongly to the cortisol. Talbott adds that this is an often-overlooked factor in the "battle of the bulge." He says, "This is one of the most under-appreciated aspects of weight loss. Stress and cortisol are just as important as the basics [diet and exercise]."

(http://www.sheknows.com/articles/804529.htm)

Here's another interesting fact I found...I've heard this more lately...It makes sense...my tummy tends to be bigger when I eat badly even though I don’t eat alot...

Intestinal System
If he body is unable to eliminate undigested food, fat, and fluid, they remain in the intestines. The intestines will then stretch and expand to make room for this added food, fat and fluid to prevent blockage of the elimination canal. Otherwise, a blockage of the elimination canal would lead to death by auto-intoxication. This life-protecting mechanism, however, causes the stomach to protrude. Even in relatively thin people, you will notice a protruding stomach, which no amount of exercise seems to flatten. Until the undigested food, fat or fluid is removed from the stomach and intestines, the stomach will remain protruded and perpetuates weight gain.

(http://www.womensportsnutrition.com/fatfallacy.html)

Here's to refocusing on taking care of myself!!