Your Lifestyle And Weight: Habits That Heal VS Those That Hurt

Sick and tired of being – you guessed it – even sicker and shattered? And how is this current mood spilling over to other aspects of your life? Often, what you’re feeding yourself can actually fatigue you. And contribute to a weaker immune system. And then, raise your hand if you feel like hitting the gym after work? We get it. So, what’s going to help make you feel more lively, energetic and well? Basically, a lifestyle audit. And for that, you have to get honest about how your day-to-day is impacting your weight. Habits that hurt need to (obviously) be switched for those that will help heal the body.

Relearning A Lifestyle: Why Habits Mean A Weight Issue

Firstly, do you need to relearn your lifestyle? Yes, we can all do with a good tweak, especially as we get older, but what’s the crux for you? A particular issue that’s keeping you up at night? Sleep quality and duration can change during life phases, such as menopause, but did you know that it can also contribute to unwanted weight gain? It’s thanks to a lack of sleep that two hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin, are disturbed.

These changes may lead to increased appetite and cravings for foods high in calories. In other words, watch your sleep patterns and ask your expert healthcare provider about the possibility that your shut-eye is being disturbed. Another inconvenient snack spiker is the hormone cortisol. If you’re under chronic stress and haven’t found your go-to method of management, your cortisol could be running the show.

Cortisol tells your body to store fat (especially around the belly). To counteract this, mindful exercise like yoga helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s the same with deep breathing. In fact, to lower cortisol and help the body process stress better, moving (even simply stretching) is a really good idea. And again, a habit that may need to be relearned. Now, if both lack of sleep and chronic stress are a tick and tick, together with unwanted weight gain, your habits could use some positive transformation.

The Glorious Gut: The Number One Organ To Heal

Back to being sick and tired. Any healthcare professional worth their salt will tell you that your gut’s microbiome (trillions of microorganisms that influence many aspects of your overall health) needs to be balanced. And it’s not just because it’s good for the gut itself, but rather so you feel amazing overall. And that means proper nutrient absorption, no more low-grade inflammation and feeling full with no more cravings. This helps keep your weight in check, especially if you want to slim your shape. Weighty issues aside, for your gut ecosystem to work hard for you, it needs the right nutrition. Fibre-rich whole foods like veggies, legumes and wholegrains really matter, as does including a natural, targeted probiotic.

Think natural yoghurt or even fermented vegetables. Eating prebiotics? These include onions, garlic, and asparagus, which help feed beneficial bacteria. While on the topic of diet, hydration gets talked about, but is often never properly explained. Think you’re hungry when actually you’re simply thirsty? Mild dehydration can deplete your energy. A glass of water (250 to 500ml) straight away upon waking is a positive daily habit switch-up and helps you meet your water target.

Whether you’re building a healthier body, wanting to maintain your weight or simply stepping up your habits, look to relearning your lifestyle to make amazing changes. It can be as simple as eating more whole foods or as detailed as tackling sleep, exercise, gut health and chronic stress issues.

There are many factors that can influence how you look and feel, and now is the time to investigate. You got this.