Breathing can be a useful tool in your weight loss journey, especially when you are going through stressful situations.
Breathing is not magic; you still have to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight. Without a calorie deficit, you can’t lose weight. Breathing can’t help you if you are not in a calorie deficit, but it can help you to stay in a calorie deficit.
It happens with many of my clients during their weight loss journey; when they are stressed, they eat extra, and that keeps them out of the calorie deficit. When you are not in a calorie deficit, then you will not lose weight.
Now here comes the role of breathing. When you are stressed, your breathing is short and shallow, and your brain assumes there is a danger. During this situation, eating some food, especially your favourite food, will give you some relief and comfort, and it signals to the brain that it is safe now. Even though you were not hungry, the situation made you eat something. But there is a better way.
When you feel stressed, during that time when you breathe deeply and exhale slowly, your stress will reduce, and this will give your brain a signal of safety, and when you feel safe, you won’t feel like eating anything extra.
Starting your day and ending your day with 10 deep breaths will contribute a lot to managing your stress.
Initially it will feel a little difficult, but after some time with practice, it will start to feel normal, and it will be easy for you to stay in a calorie deficit, and when you are in a calorie deficit, then you will lose weight (and fat, obviously).