The stress hormone cortisol can have a negative impact on fat burning if it is out of balance and many people consider cortisol to be enemy number one in regards to weight loss and the recovery process that
follows training. Studies have shown that the stress hormone may only have negative effects on training and health when it is too low or too high.
By choosing certain foods it is possible to stabilise your cortisol levels and improve the realease of important weight loss stimulating hormones. Below are some foods that will help to decrease your stress hormone when its important: after training and in the evening before bed.
Cold Water Fish: Salmon, Sardines & Anchovies
If fish is not something that you enjoying eating then its important to use a high quality fish oil to get a high level of DHA and EPA in your diet. High quality = pharmaceutical grade.
Eggs
Eggs are also high in antioxidants which aid in lowering inflammation and help to improve the regulation of insulin (The fat storage hormone) by improving insulin sensitivity. Research has shown that having better
insulin sensitivity indicates a leaner and healthier body.
Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read it right. Dark chocolate helps to reduce your stress hormone levels! I can hear the cheer from here! It has to be a minimum of 70 percent coca solids to qualify as a true dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate has a range of benefits, It improves health by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. It improves digestion which is important to correct cortisol levels if not functioning correctly. It also improves insulin sensitivity and has been shown to reduce cortisol release in some studies. You may get by now that anything you can do to improve your insulin sensitivity is a good thing.
Flax seeds and walnuts
Scientists believe that the combination of the omega 3 fat ALA and antioxidant polyphenols help the body to manage stress and improve hormone function. ALA is not an alternative to EPA and DHA but is associated with better health and lower inflammation.
So pick up those walnuts and sprinkle that flax, Walnuts are delicious straight from the shell. To get the most out of flax seeds, grind them up and add them to a greens drink or protein shake. Alternatively you
can sprinkle them on top of a salad.