How to Burn Cortisol Fat
- 1). Start a walking program. When you exercise at low to moderate intensity, it lowers cortisol levels, while high intensity exercise increases it. To burn cortisol fat, walk or cycle at a moderate pace 30 minutes a day. Avoid doing high-intensity exercise unless you keep the duration to 10 minutes or less.
- 2). Sleep seven to eight hours a night. Sleep deprivation elevates cortisol levels and increases cortisol fat.
- 3). Practice relaxation techniques. Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to stress, and reducing stress levels helps to burn cortisol fat. Explore relaxation techniques such as music therapy, massage, yoga, meditation and self-hypnosis to lower your stress levels and reduce cortisol levels.
- 4). Don't restrict calories excessively. Eating a very low calorie diet to burn cortisol fat can backfire and cause weight gain by increasing cortisol levels. If your body senses starvation, it produces more cortisol.
- 5). Avoid caffeine. Caffeinated beverages increase cortisol levels directly and indirectly by interfering with sleep.
- 6). Eat low-glycemic foods that won't cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Choose lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fatty fish is a good choice since omega-3s help to lower cortisol levels. Avoid processed foods, white bread, white rice, potatoes, sugary drinks and desserts to burn cortisol fat.