We all experience stress in our lives. Sometimes we have more than other times but every time can be a challenge for an emotional eater. Eating can bring a sense of comfort and when we are stressed we want to be soothed if even for a moment. However the calories you will consume will last longer than a moment on your hips so you may want to reconsider grabbing the chips the next time stress enters you life. What steps can be taken?
Ways to help curb emotional eating?
Complex Carbohydrates: Consuming complex carbohydrates produces serotonin a chemical in the brain known as the feel good chemical. This can counteract stress and help keep you full and satisfied at the same time. Whole grains, vegetables, beans, oatmeal, and fruits are examples of complex carbohydrates. Sugar or simple carbohydrates can give you a lift but cause you to crash. This crash can cause negative feelings or make a difficult situation feel much worse.
Know you are stressed: Be mindful and recognize stress eating from hunger eating. Do not wait until you have consumed ten Twinkies and a dozen Little Debbie’s before you realize stress was the precursor to your binge.
Find a substitute: Instead of eating during times of stress try working out, going on a walk or something to benefit you not make you feel worse. Eating during a stressful time does not relieve the situation. Once you consumed that double fudge sundae the good feeling is over. You may feel worse for having made such an unhealthy choice.
Food substitutes: Find healthy alternatives similar to what you crave during times of stress. Try fruit for a sweet tooth or baked chips for a salty taste. With all the new healthy snacks on the market you are certain to find something to suit you. However, I recommend not going this route since you will continue to associate the urge to eat with stress.