By Dominick Recine, M.Ed., CSCS
MATTE RELEASE--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Apr 30, 2003--As if final exams didn`t cause enough trouble in your life, now you can add the possibility of packing on some excess fat as a result of the college calenders cruelest year-end tradition. By now, everyone knows about the freshman fifteen but few are aware of the phenomenon known as the final five.
It`s no secret the weeks leading up to finals can be a pretty stressful time for most students. One bad day and a semester of hard work can result in another four weeks of summer school. This simple little perceived threat can do some serious damage to an otherwise healthy body and the culprit behind all of this: cortisol.
Cortisol, the body`s primary stress hormone is released during the ''fight or flight'' response to a perceived stress. This action is okay for a short period of time, and in many scenarios can be quite beneficial. However, prolonged periods of elevated cortisol, such as the stress of finals week, can alter the body`s metabolic rate causing it to slow down significantly. This slow down in metabolisim causes the body to store excess fat, especially in the abdominal region. Won`t that be a lovely addition to your new swimsuit this summer?
Stress can also interfere with appetite causing some to seek comfort in food. Nutritionist Lara Anasaze, M.S., and studentfit.com cover-model says, ''The fight-or-flight response backfires when studying for hours on end. Under stress the brain releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone, which suppresses appetite. The adrenal glands then secrete cortisol, which provides short-term energy followed by ravenous hunger.'' Foods that are most often craved are simple carbohydrates and fats. Not exactly the types of foods associated with a slim waist and firm booty.
During periods of prolonged stress, one needs to pay particular attention to diet. It is important to avoid foods that can exacerbate stress such as fat, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Better food choices include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins. A multi-vitamin is also a good idea. B-vitamins play an important role in how the body handles stress. Over time, stress can deplete these vitamins which need to be replaced daily since they are not readily stored in the body.
Eating properly is just one of the modalities that can be used to combat stress. Exercise, cognitive therapies and support systems can also play a role. Hopefully, by making some lifestyle changes and being well prepared for test time, you can avoid becoming the next victim of the final five.
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Dominick Recine, M.Ed, CSCS, is a personal trainer in New York City. He is also the creator of studenfit.com, a website dedicated to fitness needs of college students. For a personalized exercise and nutrition program to help get you ready for summer, log on to https://www.studentfit.com. Dominick can be reached at [email protected].
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