It's Not You, It's Your Cortisol

 

Are you struggling to lose weight, especially stubborn belly fat, despite eating clean and working out consistently? It might not be you. High cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, can keep your metabolism, hormones, and energy out of balance, making weight loss feel impossible.

 

Test Your Stress

Understanding your cortisol levels is a powerful first step. Lab testing can reveal how stress is affecting your body and give you a roadmap to restore balance. I recommend using the DUTCH to determine your cortisol levels.

 

4 Simple Ways to Support Healthy Cortisol Levels

You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to start seeing change. Try these habits:

1. Prioritize sleep – aim for 7–9 hours per night to support hormone regulation

2. Move intentionally – gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching helps reduce stress

3. Practice daily stress relief – breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling calm the nervous system

4. Support your nutrition – balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber stabilize blood sugar and cortisol

By supporting your body in these small but meaningful ways, you can help restore balance, improve metabolism, and reclaim a sense of steadiness and energy.