New Stress Less Diet Program Helps To Reduce Stress and Weight Simultaneously

    CENTREVILLE, VA, October 22, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A clinical nutritionist and author of the book the "Stress Eater Diet" has developed the Stress Less Diet (www.stresslessdiet.com), a new weight management/loss program to help those with stress, whether chronic or acute, to more easily control stress eating and weight without struggling.

The program is the first of its kind to address the effects of stress on weight. Weight loss and weight control is always challenging but for those that are stressed and lead a hectic life, it is an uphill battle. This program reduces the daily stress that people have by optimizing nutrition and diet, teaching portion control and providing stress relieving techniques that will minimize stress and binge eating and carbohydrate cravings, while lifting mood and the feeling of hopelessness. More importantly, it increases metabolism and prevents the weight gain and lack of energy normally experienced from stress, as well as, accelerates weight loss for those that need it. Dieting or losing weight is generally a stressful experience but this program makes it easy and provides real results.

The program developed by Linda Hlivka, Clinical Nutritionist, will provide a jumpstart to anyone that wants to lose weight. It consists of an easy-to-follow nutritional plan, nutritional counseling, coaching and exercise consultation to create a lifestyle change to enhance progress and limit regression. The goal is for patients to feel less stressed, in control of their lives and eating behaviors and not feel deprived. Hlivka states, "The economy and the last year's turmoil have taken its toll on many. Research shows over 80% of Americans use food in response to stress after a bad day or reward themselves with food for comfort. The pace of life is hectic today and many of us skip meals and eat on the run, maybe stopping at a fast food drive-thru. Over time, the result is poor or inadequate nutrition, increased obesity, and a society that feels sluggish, tired and drained from stress. My goal is to provide a safe, proven program in a caring environment in which patients can be successful to make a lifestyle change, de-stress and thrive."

A study last year by the American Psychological Association showed that the majority of Americans (79%) believed they experienced extreme chronic stress. This is more true now as the unemployment rate has increased and many have lost their jobs recently. Many cope by stress eating: 82% of women have experienced overeating versus 71% of men. It is this coping behavior that is contributing to the obesity epidemic in the U.S., as well as, perpetuating the stressed environment. The health of America is deteriorating due to stress. Right now 67% of the U.S. population is already overweight or obese and this could climb much higher in the coming years. Hlivka explains, "Stress slows metabolism and makes it more difficult to lose weight. The body really fights to hold onto those calories making weight loss more challenging. Furthermore, stress hormones alter blood sugar levels causing increased hunger and food cravings, as well as, causing more fat deposition in the abdominal area. Unfortunately, this results in packing on pounds, risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. Reversing this trend of obesity and avoiding weight gain associated with stress will improve health, reduce risk factors and improve/extend the lives of many Americans."

About Stress Less Centers

Stress Less Centers operates the Stress Less Diet, a medically supervised weight loss/control program in the Washington, D.C. area to coach and educate patients to reach their weight goals safely, with the mission to improve health and quality of life. The Stress Less Diet provides a practical approach to weight and stress management.

Website: http://www.stresslessdiet.com

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