4 Hormone Tips To Control Cravings

When your hormones are out of whack you crave carbs or fatty foods. You feel hungry most of the time and never quite feel full and satisfied. You have a hard time sleeping because you are under stress, which perpetuates the problem further. When you are stuck in this cycle weight loss is next to impossible.

So how do you turn it around and balance the 4 hormones that promote weight loss?

1. Avoid all simple sugars, processed grains and foods with hidden sugars.

Sugar promotes high levels of insulin secretion. This includes 100% whole wheat and whole grains. Replace your grains with high-fiber beans, lentils, fruits and vegetables.

2. Start your day with a protein and fat breakfast.

Protein and fat promotes feelings of fullness, keeps blood sugar levels stable and signals the hypothalamus that you are full. Try to have 2-3 whole eggs with 1 cup veggies cooked in 1-2 tsp of coconut oil.

3. Eat every 2-3 hours.

Eating constantly isn't good for you as your body doesn't have time to use up the glucose for energy and never gives your hormones a break. Your meals should be big enough to keep you feeling full for 2-3 hours. Eating consistently however (every 2-3 hours) will keep your blood sugar levels from plummeting. 

4. Don't over exercise or do long bouts of cardio.

Remember we are trying to reduce cortisol levels (stress). Long bouts of cardio creates a stress response in the body. Short intense workouts, like sprints or weightlifting, is the best way to go. Workouts shouldn't last more than 30 - 45 minutes if done at the right intensity.

5. Get 7 hours of sleep every night.

The body repairs itself during sleep. Your liver completes its detoxification cycle and your pancreas processes out the remaining glucose. When you don't have quality sleep it creates a stress response, elevates insulin levels and gives you cravings for carbs.

Balancing your hormones is vital to your goal of losing weight. Follow these 5 tips above to gain better control over your hormones and the weight will start to come off. The best part is that when you do the work to balance your hormones, losing weight isn't a battle of wills anymore.

Katie Kahvo