How do you avoid stress eating?
Stress eating can be a problem with weight gain, and unhealthy eating. Anxiety, nervous tension, worry, strains and hassles of every day life, can trigger one to eat away stress. These tips will help you get control and eventually stop yourself from stress eating.
When you feel yourself reaching for food while full of tension and anxiety, stop yourself immediately and pray. First, thank God for helping you stop from reaching to food for help. Second, ask God for help, guidance, to direct people, media and other tools, into your life that will help guide you to a overcome your tension and restore your God given joy.
Do not buy high fat or high sugar foods at all. If you cannot trust yourself with it in the house, simply stock up on foods that will not tempt you in the same way.
Do not drink or stock your cupboards with alcoholic drinks. This is very damaging to your body, and may even make you feel depressed, tired, make you want to sleep more than usual, and cause you to make rash decisions. Try something less damaging such as your favorite homemade iced coffee, or iced tea with a twist of fruit (sweetened with stevia, agave nectar, or splenda). You’ll feel like you are pampering yourself instead of tearing yourself down.
Chew gum. Chewing gum prevents you from gritting your teeth, and relaxes your jaw muscles. It also keeps your mouth stay busy and assists in avoiding the temptation to eat, when you shouldn’t.
Eat a protein packed breakfast. This should be your largest meal of the day. Too often, especially women, eat absolutely nothing for breakfast or very little. Have a protein shake or some egg whites and an Ezekiel muffin with peanut butter. Boil eggs in advance to have them on hand for a healthy protein snack.
Talk to someone you can trust. Call up a friend, e-mail a friend, or call a church elder. Speaking with someone about what’s bothering you, with someone you trust, will restore your inner well-being. Avoid speaking to those who tend to gossip.
Clean something. If you are the type of person who feels anxious when looking at clutter, declutter something. You will feel so much better when you are done, and can look at a tidy and clean living space.
Record what you eat into a notebook. Keep a daily journal of your meals and the food you eat throughout the day. You can do this on your computer if you would like. Use your notebook as a learning tool, to see how many calories your taking in each day and what level your emotions are at when you eat unhealthy foods. Hold yourself accountable!! You’ll save money on you grocery bill too.
