The chemistry of stress

Cortisol provides a potent signal to the brain to improve appetite for several foods, especially carbohydrates and fats (due to their high calorie levels) which explains the binge eating of unhealthy food occurring during stressful times.

"When the stressful event Zi Xiu Tang is over, there is apt to be excess of glucose readily available for your body that is converted and stored as fat for future use," says Dr Salvin.

In response to the rise in glucose comes the increase in insulin. At these times time and time again, day after day, the body develops insulin resistance. The excessive secretion of cortisol, along with a reduced secretion of some hormones, including testosterone, causes your body to store fat, lose muscle, slow metabolism, increase appetite not to mention, consume more food - especially carbohydrates. Even though this formula worked well for our ancestors who'd to invest hours hunting and gathering food, our stressors - such as tight deadlines - don't usually involve exercise. The result: we wind up taking in more calories than we burn.

Once the stress is constant, the body is not able to go back to normal, resulting in higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol within the bloodstream. This can lead to higher blood pressure, impaired cognitive function and blood sugar levels imbalances such as hyperglycemia. Cortisol also signals your body to keep fat in the abdomen where you can find more receptors for cortisol and a greater way to obtain blood.

Don't feed your stress habit

Learn to take a rest. During stressful and difficult times - when you get into a disagreement with your best friend, or get yelled at from your boss - have a short break from whatever you do and discover to unwind.

Make sure your glucose levels don't drop. If they are low, you're more likely to turn to high-sugar/high-carb foods. Eat something healthy every few hours.

Manage your stress levels. Life will invariably have stressors; learn to cope with them. Don't use food during times of stress.

Don't work out on an empty stomach. Choose high-protein snacks 30 minutes prior to going to a health club. Unsalted raw nuts, low-calorie protein snack bars are wonderful options.

Every now and then, eat a little bit of what you are craving because this can help you avoid feeling denied of treats.

Reach for fruit whenever a sugar craving hits.

Centre meals and snacks on complex carbohydrates: Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grain products offer abundant vitamins, minerals and fibre but little fat.

Learn how to satisfy thirst with water. Water fills the stomach between meals and dilutes the metabolic wastes generated from the breakdown of fat.

Adopt an ongoing "eating arrange for good health" as opposed to a "diet for weight loss". That way, you'll be able to keep the cravings away permanently! 

* Simple steps to keep stress at bay

* The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) provides a few stress management strategies to combat stress-related putting on weight.

* Recognise the warning signs of stress, for example anxiety, irritability and muscle tension.

* Before you begin tucking right into a meal, ask yourself why on your table - are you truly hungry or perhaps is it because you feel stressed or anxious? Don't skip meals, especially breakfast.

* Identify comfort foods and Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen avoid having them in your home or office.

* Learn problem-solving skills to be able to anticipate challenges and deal with setbacks.

* Practise relaxation skills, such as yoga, massage or meditation.

* Exercise regularly.

* Get enough sleep.