Stress and eating
We live in a stressful environment, and we often eat as a way of dealing with stress or as a way to calm ourselves. The following are some questions to consider if you eat to deal with stress.
- Have you noticed a change in your eating or weight since a change occurred in your stress level/lifestyle?
- Do you eat when you are not hungry or when you are full?
- Do you eat (or cook) to avoid dealing with a stressful situation?
- Do you find food very soothing?
- Do you use food as a reward? (For example, "That was really a tough job/assignment/argument. I need some ice cream/candy/popcorn!")
If you find that you eat because of stress, try the following:
- Take a short relaxation break.
- Take time to stop and think about what is really bothering you and how you could deal with it.
- Change what you're doing. Take a short walk down the hall or around the block.
- Call a friend.
- If you are truly hungry, reach for a healthy meal or snack. Focus on the experience of eating and enjoy your food.
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: March 23, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science/Weight Management | |
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