As discussed in a previous post, cortisol is released in stressful situations. Many people do not realize that cortisol is causing them to store fat and burn muscle. This happens daily whether stress exists or not. It can be curbed using the tips listed in our previous post, but cortisol is somewhat predictable at certain times:

First thing in the morning
Second half of the evening
After a workout

What can you do? Plan your meals and workout routines around these windows. Avoid the foods that increase cortisol production at these times. For example, skip that morning cup of coffee until you've had sufficient time to wake up and feed your body what it needs to lower cortisol.

What does your body need during these periods? Everything :)

Protein will provide the amino acids necessary to switch your body from a catabolic to an anabolic state. Meaning that instead of feeding on existing muscle, you will create new muscle.

Simple sugars will spike your insulin release which counteracts cortisol. Insulin release after a workout is also believed to release Human Growth Hormone.

Vitamins C and E have been found to lower cortisol levels.

As always, we recommend getting your nutrients from natural sources and not supplements. This is why our first product launch is made from fruit, nuts, and seeds. All of the details regarding the launch will be on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Testosterone and cortisol combat each other. Both are increased in the morning upon waking up. Increasing testosterone will lower cortisol levels. Training in the morning will relieve stress and be more productive than workouts at other times. Scheduling your workout for later in the evening is the next best thing.

Some of us dread the thought of waking up early to train before work. There are some simple things to do in the morning to start your day right:

Yoga power poses (Warrior series, et. al.)
Squats
Lunges
Push-ups
Pull-ups
Curls
Chair dips
10 Minute ab workout
Short cardio session
Yoga flexibility poses

Try to increase the intensity of your morning workout routine as it becomes easier. It should be quite easy to find enough variety when the workout is 20 minutes or less.

"Pay yourself first" by starting your day with a focus on being healthy and happy. A healthier and happier you will more successfully and productively help others.

Foods that Lower Cortisol Levels:
Vitamin C Rich Foods
Avocados
Dark Chocolate
Salmon
Spinach
Almonds
Pistachios
Walnuts
Black Tea

Foods to avoid:
Caffeine and Other Stimulants
Excess Sugar
Refined Carbohydrates
Animal Fat/Cholesterol
Grapefruit