Let's face it... losing weight is hard. Temptation is everywhere from your television set with sexy people eating huge, greasy hamburgers to the smell of donuts or fast food French fries filling the air as you drive down the street. You can't get away from it. But do these subliminal messages lower your willpower or is there another force at work?

The truth is that weight loss has to be more than just eating fewer calories - if only it were that easy. Thousands of people every day eat less and still don't lose weight. And it's not just a matter of willpower.

Stress is an overlooked factor for weight gain as well as keeping it on. Stress causes your body to release too much cortisol, a hormone that can increase blood sugar and make your body store fat around your abdomen. This is only the beginning, though.

When people are stressed, it's very easy to reach for the comfort foods. They make you feel better, but this feeling is only temporary and usually followed by lethargy and then sleep. Unfortunately after eating these foods, you may feel more stressed, tired and even mad at yourself for not sticking to your weight loss program.

Stress may also cause you to go for fast foods. It is very normal to want to save time thinking that will take away some of your stress. But healthy foods can be just as quick and can actually help you handle stress better! Why is this true?

The food you eat can make you feel great or it can make you feel cranky and stressed, which works against any weight loss program. Good examples are caffeine and sodium which raise your blood pressure or sugar which can cause you to get the blues. Many processed and junk foods contain these substances in high amounts which can alter your feelings and even make life seem harder and more stressful.

In addition to theses substances, added chemicals preservatives along with lack of nutrition in your food can cause your body to create too much insulin and cortisone, which can cause fat around your mid-section, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even depression.

The bottom line is that certain foods can lead to feeling more stressed, make it harder to lose weight and cause food cravings. Not paying attention to the foods you are eating can lead to a cycle of weight gain, stress and living and unhealthy, unhappy life.

On the other hand, the right nutrients in your food can help your body produce the hormones serotonin and dopamine, both of which are important to feel happy and relaxed. These nutrients that help you can be found in whole grains, brown rice, bananas, and tomatoes.

Other nutrients like green superfoods, such as sprouts and Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) help for weight loss. Your brain needs EFA's for healthy brain function, and if you don't get them in your diet, depression can set in. Certain proteins keep your body balanced and strong without harmful trans fats. Eating the proper amount of both of these nutrients can also help you feel satisfied easier, which can help diminish food cravings.

A colon cleanse or body cleanse can also help your weight loss goals. A body cleanse or colon cleanse can help your body get rid of the chemicals from junk foods that may have built up over the years.

Many people report felling more relaxed, happier and less stressed after a body cleansing program. A cleansing diet is excellent for any weight loss program. Additionally, if you read the testimonials from any colon cleanse or body cleanse website, you will see the hundreds of people who report the loss of food cravings.

Keep these points in mind when you start a weight loss program; pay attention to what foods you are eating, get plenty of whole food nutrition, and find a good cleansing program to help you stay on track. You might find that losing weight is easier than you thought.