Leptin!
Leptin plays a key role in our body's energy usage.
So what exactly is Leptin?
"Leptin is a hormone secreted by your fat cells, with the main job of balancing body weight and energy. It does so in two ways: (1) by signaling to your brain when you should stop eating, and (2) by stimulating fatty tissue to burn off energy." (Barbara Komorek)
Sounds good, right?
Right! Because it means that it will use you excess fat to turn off your hunger and speed up your metabolism by kicking your body into fat burning mode. That is, only if your Leptin is working properly.
Now why is mine not working for a better, healthier body?
Because, the body has become resistant to it.
What? Why? How?
And then how can I get my Leptin working right again? Is that even possible?
Well, according to Barbara Komorek (a former research scientist, now into helping people live healthy lives), yes, you can get you Leptin working right again!
Causes of Leptin resistance:
Eating high foods for long periods
Crash diets
Consuming too much processed foods
Consuming too much high fat food
Being in starvation mode for too long - like a very low calorie diet for too days in a row
Consuming too many refined carbohydrates
Consuming too many foods with High Fructose Corn Syrup
Consuming too many foods high in sugar
How to Fix the Leptin in Your Body:
Eat lean sources of protein
Eat fresh fruits
Eat fresh vegetables
Get 8 or more hours of sleep
Exercise regularly at least 4-5 days a week, even being active every day (doesn't have to be vigorous very day, just MOVE! Fidget. Walk. Pace on them "rest" days.)
Cut back on high fructose corn syrup
Cut back on processed oils
Cut back on other highly refined food and snacks
"Avoid dramatic reduction of the calories you intake"
"Never follow a very low-calorie diet for an extended period of time"
I hope this helps! Because this was very insightful and helpful for me too!
Main source for my post was:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20551/the-sneaky-but-fixable-reason-why-you-cant-lose-weight.html
