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Five Tips on Stopping Stressed Eating

March 18, 2020   6 Comments

I am seriously stressed out and I know I've got some company. That is not me in the photo, but I feel this woman's pain.

Five Tips on Stopping Stressed Eating

My kids are home from school, I am trying to work, and I can’t stop the fear that grips my heart periodically for the people who are getting sick.

And, I feel exhausted. So, what do you think I have been doing? Chocolate, mashed potatoes, red wine, more chocolate, cookies, sausages, pie..........burp.

This particular situation is quite stressful for all of us and we deserve some treats. Now, I am going to give myself a little break here for not grabbing a salad, but I will have to slow down on the chow if I want to fit into my jeans.

I don't think the problem of "Eating While Stressed" is a big problem if it happens once in a while. But, if you do it every day the extra calories can create, well, stress!

If you can tune into your body and realize that you are eating to SOOTHE yourself instead of feeding real hunger, you could lose a ton of weight without a real diet.

So, how do you soothe yourself if food is your favorite source of pleasure?

1. Close your eyes and think of something that gives you pleasure........What was it? For me, it is the sound of my children's laughter (I know that sounds corny).

I decided that I am going to make a recording on my iPod and play it when I am hungry for the wrong reasons.

2. Remove the foods that you eat for self-soothing from EASY reach. Leave those foods at the supermarket (you know which ones I am talking about).

When you reach for them and they are not there - you will become aware of the reason for your desire to munch. Perhaps you can solve the stress in a different way?

3. Change your life so you are less stressed. HA! That was so easy to write in a sentence, but so hard to do. Take it little step by little step. For example, listening to the news every hour on the hour is stressful so do less of it. You can check in once a day and get a summary. Stop hitting refresh!!

4. Go give someone in your house a hug. This is a touchy feeling answer and perhaps not possible - but to me there is nothing more soothing than a hug. Also, petting your dog or cat is a great idea instead of opening the refrigerator.

If there is no one around who is worthy of hug then close your eyes and imagine a hug from someone that deeply cares about you.

5. Read the book below: 50 Ways To Soothe Yourself Without Food by Susan Albers. Keep this book in your kitchen and grab IT before you grab something else. There are a bunch of creative soothing ideas in this book.

How do you deal with "stress eating"?

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6 Comments:

Believe it or not, I cook & bake. When I crave the bad stuff, I either buy it (Pizza) or bake cake, cookies, etc. When I have what I crave, for some reason, once I have it, the rest sits in the house! I also give the food to friends/pharmacists, etc. Unfortunately, I go from sweet to salty, etc. I've started eating hummus again! That helps! Also, a good cup of decaf coffee fills me up (had lap band surgery)..I'm a grazer (as my dr. calls it!!) Good luck!...PS-I think I'll work on my cookbook...finally! Stay well, friends!!!!

I am still working so the anxiety is real every time I step out of the house! I am just trying to keep a normal schedule the best I can and continue to get outside for several walks during the day. I think the best thing is to try and keep yourself on a regular schedule and get some exercise. The exercise does seem to keep my anxiety down. Stay healthy everyone.

since my gym is closed and cannot work out. I try to take as many walks as possible. I am still working at my job since I work at a hospital and it is very busy. I try not to think of food and only eat when I am hungry. Yes, everyone stay safe and healthy

I work retail & I am on my feet 8-9 hrs a day. I also work out about 3-5 times a week. Now that I am home as our store & my gym is shut down, I am out walking at a pretty fast clip. I got 6 miles in yesterday & 4 so far today. I plan on keeping this up daily! I am sticking to my normal schedule as well. Up, breakfast, shower, out the door.

HELLO EVERYONE, CONTINUED PRAYER FOR ALL TO STAY SAFE & HEALTHY. NOW, I TRY TO WALK, WALK, & WALK MORE. EVEN OUT IN THE BACK YARD, OR WHEN I FINISH MY SHOPPING, KEEP WALKING UP & DOWN THE ISLES W/MY SNEEKERS SO IT ENCOURAGES ME. I AM TRYING TO TACKLE OLD MAIL, NEW MAIL,DOWN SIZE ON THOSE THINGS THAT ARE IN GREAT SHAPE, GOOD SHAPE & THOSE THINGS I HAVN'T USED IN TWO OR MORE YEARS, THEN DONATE. SO MUCH I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO DO, SO NOW IS THE "THAT" TIME. ANY INSPIRATIONS I'M OPEN TO LISTHEN. HAPPY TO HAVE YOU SNACK GIRL, BLESSINGS TO ALL FROM A WARM HEART, ANNETTE

Now is "someday" for me as well in terms of tackling decluttering and organizing projects as I am now working from home during this time. I do my level best to get involved in these activities at times when I am not working and decided that I am going to reconnect with my natural hunger signals. This was always challenging for me with my packed schedule. I am so done with dieting. For me it's mentally exhausting. I agree that if I don't eat to soothe, I probably could lose a ton of weight. Everyone, keep safe and well! XOXO

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