Dana's post about emotional eating got me into thinking because I have the same problem before and I can't really tell if I won't be having the same problem again when stress gets in the way. So I searched the net and found this article at www.mayoclinic.com :
When you're under stress, you may find it harder to eat healthy. Also, during times of particularly high stress, you may eat in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs — sometimes called stress eating or emotional eating. And you may be especially likely to eat high-calorie foods during times of stress, even when you're not hungry.
To prevent weight gain during stress and reduce the risk of obesity, get a handle on your stress. When you feel less stressed and more in control of your life, you may find it easier to stick to healthy eating and exercise habits.
Try these stress management techniques to combat stress-related weight gain:
* Recognize the warning signs of stress, such as anxiety, irritability and muscle tension.
* Before eating, ask yourself why you're eating — are you truly hungry or do you feel stressed or anxious?
* If you're tempted to eat when you're not hungry, find a distraction.
* Don't skip meals, especially breakfast.
* Identify comfort foods and keep them out of your home or office.
* Keep a record of your behavior and eating habits so that you can look for patterns and connections — and then figure out how to overcome them.
* Learn problem-solving skills so that you can anticipate challenges and cope with setbacks.
* Practice relaxation skills, such as yoga, massage or meditation.
* Engage in regular physical activity or exercise.
* Get adequate sleep.
* Get encouragement from supportive friends and family.
If you try stress management techniques on your own but they don't seem to be working, consider seeking professional help through psychotherapy or counseling.
I'm just hoping the above tips may help me and others who have stress-related weight problem.
__________________
Victory belongs to the most persevering. - Napoleon
I used to overeat because I was tired all the time and thought that the food would help overcome the tiredness. That was when Natasha was little. I don't have that problem anymore now that she's older.
__________________
You will fail sometimes, and that’s okay. The faster you accept this, the faster you can get on with being brilliant.
I got stressed out because my 7 yr old was having a lot of melt downs and I was angry because i didn't loose any weight, instead i put it on.
After I ate this food, it made me feel sick. I prolly will not eat Junk food for awhile after it made me feel this way. I just have to learn not to turn to food after I have a bad day.
this is really helpful. i read a stress management book before and it says there that the best way to overcome stress is to let it be there. don't nurture it. Stop worrying about things. If a problem has a solution, don't worry about it. If your problem doesn't have any solution, why worry about it? Take control of the situation (whatever situation you're in) and always stay positive. Everything is in the mind only. The mind can't take pasta, chocolates, burger, sodas,,, so why eat a lot?
this is really helpful. i read a stress management book before and it says there that the best way to overcome stress is to let it be there. don't nurture it. Stop worrying about things. If a problem has a solution, don't worry about it. If your problem doesn't have any solution, why worry about it? Take control of the situation (whatever situation you're in) and always stay positive. Everything is in the mind only. The mind can't take pasta, chocolates, burger, sodas,,, so why eat a lot?