Opening Statement:
I am sure that I’m not alone regarding stress and my eating habits. Truthfully, stress eating happens to many of us whether we realize it or not. Stress or emotional eating can come in several different forms, from avoiding meals altogether to overeating in response to feelings of anxiety or sadness. Stress eating happens when we experience an emotional reaction to stress and use food to cope and short-term of healing ourselves. It’s not unusual for us to turn to food or turn away from food when we are feeling overwhelmed, but the physical and emotional consequences of chronic stress eating can be serious. There are many things I learned by my research regarding this subject, here is what I would like to share with all my readers.
Ten Signs That You Might Be Involving Food in Stress Management:
1. Eating a large amount of food in a short period of time
2. Skipping meals due to stress or anxiety
3. Snacking in the evening or when you are having trouble sleeping
4. Having intense cravings for certain types of food, particularly during high-stress times
5. Grazing on unhealthy snacks throughout the day
6. Eating even when you realize you are not hungry
7. Feeling guilty after eating
8. Turning to comfort foods when feeling overwhelmed
9. Gaining weight unexpectedly and without decreased activity
10. Feeling out of control around certain kinds of foods
How To Relieve Stress Without Food
· Meditation Or Relaxation Techniques:
Practicing deep breathing or conscious awareness of your thoughts and body can help reduce tension and regulate your emotions.
· Mindful Food Shopping:
A simple technique for reducing stress eating is to make good decisions in the supermarket aisle. If it’s an unhealthy food you are likely to turn to during times of stress, consider not buying it.
· Exercise:
Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that reduce stress and boost feelings of happiness. Regular exercise can help us manage our emotions in healthier ways rather than turning to stress eating.
· Social Support:
Social support from family members or friends can provide us with an outlet to share our feelings and experiences with people we trust.
· Journaling:
Keeping a personal journal can be a helpful way to identify our emotions, process our thoughts and recognize triggers.
· Talking To a Professional:
A behavioral health specialist can work with you to develop healthy stress management strategies, identify triggers, and provide guidance on making positive lifestyle changes.
Closing Statement:
It is best if you are experiencing ongoing stress overeating or undereating to consult with a healthcare specialist. For myself not only do I keep a journal, but I also take a quick photo of my plate of food before and after I eat and review it at the end of every week. Breathing and meditation has helped me and I do recommend it to everyone. For the past several months, I’ve been keeping a diary of my food shopping lists to keep me on track with buying healthy food and very little junk food. I do like my sweets, but I’ve learned to control my temptations.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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