Find out how to overcome stress eating

Gulf Today Report

You may have noticed that at times you might be comforting yourself by indulging in a late-night snack. It may even bring you some pleasure. The problem, however, is that when food is used to soothe feelings of stress, the scales may start to go up too.

A better idea, then, is to deal productively with what’s bothering you. Once you are able to connect your indulgence to emotional factors, you can take steps to change things for the better. Whenever you feel stressed, you can spend more time talking with friends, exercising or reading.

READ MORE

Eating comfort food in stress will add extra kilos

Spending 10 minutes daily with nature can release your exam stress

'You can beat exam stress in 6 easy steps'

Most people eat when they feel bored or lonely and they use food for comfort. To calm your appetite, it pays to review what’s irritating you. These tips can help:

— Ask if a relationship problem is affecting your emotions. A breakup with a friend or a quarrel with a co-worker can stress you to the max.

— Ask if your lifestyle needs some changes. You may have too much on your plate and it might have cut into your exercise time. Try and purchase exercise equipment to use in front of the TV.

— Decide how to productively address stress. For example, if you’re skipping exercise after work to swing by a drive-through for a hot chocolate with whipped cream, force yourself to stop at the gym too. Learn to balance extra calories with a decent workout.

Once you connect your overeating with stress, take a look at good solutions to calm your chaotic feelings. Try some harmless ways to feel good. For example, go to a walk-in movie with friends on weekends, take a long walk with someone you enjoy talking with, or plan a short trip to a museum in your region.

Filling up your emotional bank account can help curb food cravings.

Try to balance two hard days of work with having a lighter schedule on the third day. Remember, too much self-sacrifice will destroy enthusiasm for life. A lot of people lose passion for what they love because they push themselves too hard

Taking care of your emotional needs includes eating well. Drinking plenty of water and taking vitamins will help prevent overeating as well. If you are dehydrated or aren’t getting enough vitamins and minerals, you tend to overeat.

Seeking balance means making subtle adjustments in your food choices, habits, and approach to life. Whatever is stressing you must be managed in doable steps.