Ugh! I’m eating right, but still can’t lose. For months I’ve been stressed—and I’ll admit it, depressed—about money. I soothed myself with food and gained 11 pounds. After my clothes got way too tight I started counting calories and carbs. But in two weeks, I haven’t lost an ounce. Why not?
You may be suffering from hypothalamic inflammation. New research in the journal Cell reveals that prolonged periods of stress-induced overeating turn on NP-kappa B, the master switch of inflammation in the brain. This causes cellular damage in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates appetite and blood sugar. The result: intense cravings that make it hard to shed weight. To restore your waistline, drink grape juice. Its proanthocyanidins turn off NF-kappa B, reducing hypothalamic inflammation. Two daily 8 oz. cups of equal parts grape juice and water (to cut sugar) will control inflammation in two weeks. Expect to lose two to three pounds every week.
