Fat-Burning Factoids

Now we’re starting Holiday Weight-Gain Season, so here are a few of the latest research findings on how to prevent holiday heft:

1. People who eat breakfast consume about 5% fewer calories over the course of the day. That’s about 100 calories, which adds up to losing over 10 pounds per year!

2. New studies are finding that cortisol–the stress hormone–interferes with the transmission of leptin, the “satisfaction” hormone that tells you to stop eating. This explains why you are hungrier when you’re stressed. Try to manage stress and be extra consciencious about watching your portion sizes when things get hectic.

3. Saturated fat–the kind in cheese, cream, butter, beef (i.e., fat from any animal except fish)–does not trigger the release of leptin as much as healthy fats, like nuts or olive oil. That means you get less satisfaction and “fullness” from these unhealthy fats.