Stress eating or emotional eating can happen to anyone, and unfortunately, some people are more prone to it than others. Have you noticed that you are reaching for a treat after a stressful day at work or when something bad happens? This is a sign that stress eating may be affecting your weight loss plans. Occasional emotional or stress eating is okay, but do it too many times, and it can turn into a habit. And not necessarily a good one.
So how do you know when you are stress eating?
The signs are relatively simple to spot. Perhaps you are eating when you don’t feel hungry? Maybe you eat because you are bored, anxious or angry? Do you feel you are eating for the sake of it, rather than for the taste. These are definite tell-tale signs.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers:
- To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix)
- To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
- To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)
- Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/
Why do we turn to food when we are stressed?
There are many reasons why we do it and understanding the ‘why’ is part of the battle. When we are stressed, the hormone known as cortisol can make us crave food that may not necessarily be the best choice for our bodies. Sometimes it is a case of convenience – we want it, we see it, and therefore we eat it. Food may be a distraction, albeit a small one, from the problems we are facing or even remind us of better times in our past.
Can I stop stress eating or emotional eating?
The answer is yes, although for many it can a slow and uncomfortable process.
The first challenge is to realize when you are doing it. Much of our emotional eating is centered around unconscious eating, so it important that we acknowledge when it occurs. It may be helpful to keep a diary of what you are eating to recognize the patterns. Do you do it when you are alone? After work? In the office? Late at night? Once you know your trigger points, then you can at least be prepared for it.
Now, once you know WHEN you are doing, the trick is to replace it with something else. Whn not sip a cup of tea instead of reaching for the snack? Can you do a simple exercise every time the urge kicks in? Could a quick breathing exercise calm you down and relax your body? Is it possible to count slowly with your eyes closed until the feeling passes? Why not try something else with your hands such as doodling or coloring until you don’t feel like eating?
Once you find what works for you, then the trick is to practice it until the emotional eating subsides. With a bit of mindful practice, you can end the cycle of self-sabotage. Then you can start to focus on your well-being and happiness, and feeling great about your continued weight loss and healthy diet.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: