Chances are you have been stressed about something today. Whether it’s Today’s current events or family drama, life is rich with interference when it comes to inner calm. For many of us, that tension translates to food cravings.
The good news: Stress-eating doesn’t have to undermine your wellness goals. Once you decode your stress-eating patterns, you can plan a response that works exclusively for you , chips and wine included! Some of these ideas were taken from a recent article from WW studio.
CHECK IN WITH YOUR NEEDS
When food cravings feel out of control—a stressful experience unto itself—do a quick rundown of possible reasons for those cravings. Has a hectic schedule kept you from eating regular meals all week? Might poor sleep be messing with your appetite? This will help empower you to brainstorm workable solutions—say, avoiding stressful news programs before bed, or setting an alert on your phone to break for a proper lunch every day.
CONSIDER A CHANGE OF SCENERY
Feelings of stress are basically your body’s way of saying, “Do something!” Luckily, in most cases, reaching for food isn’t the only option. Instead, try taking a 15-minute break from whatever is making you feel overwhelmed. This could involve heading outdoors for fresh air or firing up a game app on your phone. A brief distraction can puncture the stress bubble and intercept an unwanted snack attack.
LOOK FOR PATTERNS
If you find stress-eating a recurring struggle, your environment might play a role. Reflect to find common threads: Maybe you tend to stress-eat only when working, for example. Becoming aware of places and times in which you tend to feel overwhelmed will help you brace for those moments and look out for yourself.
KNOW THAT STRESS-EATING ISN’T A SIGN OF FAILURE
A health-promoting pattern of eating is one that supports your wellbeing physically and mentally. So if you’re having a hard day and just want to enjoy some gummy worms, darn it, don’t beat yourself up for being “powerless.” No single meal or snack in isolation of everything else you do as part of your self-care regimen can make or break your journey.
