Can eating added sugars cause stress to our bodies?

Absolutely!  Stress on our bodies can come from outside sources such as exercise, dangerous situations, tense situations, confrontations, etc.  BUT the other causes of stress seem to be more detrimental to our health because we don’t always think about them; such as lack of sleep.  When our bodies are stressed, our adrenal glands release the stress hormone cortisol.

How does eating added sugars cause stress?

When we eat sugars that are added to foods we have a rapid spike in blood sugar (this is what is called the sugar high) BUT then we have the drastic dips in our blood sugar.  These peaks and dips are unstable blood sugar and our body can cycle through these spikes and dips many times per day when we consume excess sugars.

Cortisol is also involved in how our bodies react to the sugar crashes after consuming large amounts of added sugars.  A blood sugar dip causes stress and our bodies respond by releasing cortisol to pull our blood sugar back up.  Cortisol causes our blood sugar to increase in an effort to prepare our bodies for dealing with the “stressor”.  Cortisol then inhibits insulin production in an attempt to keep sugar in our blood.  Our bodies normally produce insulin to help control blood sugar levels by telling our muscles, liver and fat cells to take in the sugar to use for making energy to fuel the body.  When cortisol inhibits insulin production chronically, we aren’t able to use insulin properly to deal with sugars from our foods.  Then excess cortisol from all this chronic stress on the body from excess sugar leads to increase in appetite and more cravings for high calorie foods.

It’s a vicious cycle.  Excess sugar = blood sugar dips = chronic stress on body = cortisol release = imbalance in insulin effectiveness = cravings/increased appetite = more chronic stress on the body.  The cycle repeats…

What can we do to prevent some of this?  Make every effort to keep our blood sugar levels steady throughout the day.  Eat a balanced diet, eat 5 to 6 small meals per day and don’t skip breakfast.  Cut back on ADDED sugars from foods such as cookies, cereals, some store bought dressing/sauces, sodas, sweetened beverages, etc.

Is it OK to eat fruits?  YES!  The fiber in the fruits slows the absorption of sugar from the fruit so the sugar enters our blood stream at a slower rate.  This is why fiber is so important – it helps prevent blood sugar spikes from the foods we eat.

I used to be a HUGE sweet eater - I could have eaten sweets over real food.  I just loved them that much.  Then I realized what I was doing to my body - the sugar crashes were literally damaging my body.  And I realized that, by eating sweets so often, I was setting myself up for failure.  I never felt good - my energy was always lacking.  Then about 13 months ago I realized that changes HAD to be made.  I began drinking Shakeology EVERY DAY and I started my clean eating journey.  Now, I do have sweet treats every now and then - moderation is key!  I don't deprive myself - but I also do not go overboard.

What is a Beachbody Challenge Group?

What is a Challenge Group?

You’ve seen me post invites to my challenge and accountability groups and I’m sure you’ve wondered what these groups are and why they are important.

This is SO much more than a bag of powder and a set of workout DVDs!  This is LIFE CHANGING!  This is INSPIRING!  This is about FEELING YOUR BEST! 

When I began my journey with Beachbody’s products, I was unhappy with how I looked, unhappy with how I felt and basically desperate for a change.  It all began with P90X.  This is how I learned of Beachbody, their positive & uplifting messages and their mission to change lives.  I have since completed a few Beachbody programs, began drinking Shakeology 13 months ago and most importantly, I have become a Beachbody coach.  Honestly, my life is forever changed.  I’ve learned the importance of nutrition, fitness and overall well-being.  And as a coach, I’m learning the importance of uplifting and supporting others.

Challenge groups are hosted by Beachbody coaches on a mission to help change lives and committed to supporting others in their health journeys.  These groups are online private Facebook groups where only the members can see posts and conversations.  As a coach, I help the group members choose a workout program to do from home and most of the members commit to drinking Shakeology each day.  Each Beachbody Challenge pack program includes workout DVDs, Shakeology, nutrition guides, a workout schedule and access to a coach.  I use these groups to talk with my “challengers” each day, offer advice, tips, recipes, nutrition information and overall support of their goals.  We talk each day and hold each other accountable to our nutrition goals and fitness goals.  We are much more likely to stay on track if we know someone else is depending on us!

My focus as a coach is to ensure that my group has access to tools that will help make them successful and feel successful.  It’s not always about weight loss.  Sometimes our journey is about feeling healthy and needing support of others to keep us motivated.

I would LOVE for you to be included in my next Challenge Group for support and accountability.  I host at least 2 groups each month.  Post a comment below, complete the form below, or email me at kristinratliff@beachbodycoach.com for more information on my next group.