7 Tips to Not Let Stress Affect Your Weight

Is stress affecting your weight loss struggle?

The stress caused by dieting adds to the personal and professional life stresses we face every day, often resulting in a "vicious cycle" of increased stress and increased food consumption. If this sounds like you, read the following tips for managing stress-related overeating to help you curb this unhealthy habit.


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Is stress affecting your weight loss struggle?

The stress caused by dieting adds to the personal and professional life stresses we face every day, often leading to a "vicious cycle" of increased stress and increased food consumption. Stressed people tend to engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves and their health, such as binge eating, and there is strong biological evidence that stressed people tend to gain pounds more quickly. “I’m stressed, so I eat.” Many people complain of overeating in response to work or personal stress. If this sounds like you, read the following tips for managing stress-related overeating to help you kick this unhealthy habit.

1. Practice waiting. Put off instant gratification until hunger strikes. Tell yourself that you will wait 10 to 30 minutes to eat. If your cravings are purely stress-related, there's a good chance they will go away if you allow yourself to be distracted.

2. Keep a journal of the foods you eat each day. Knowing that you need to write down every snack or snack can be a good way to remind yourself to think before you eat.

3. Enlist the help of a friend – ideally a friend who is also tempted by stress-related cravings. When you feel like eating, write him a note or give him a call.

4. Nourish yourself. Eat healthy snacks regularly to maintain your energy levels. Skipping meals when you're stressed only makes you eat more, and unhealthily, when you do decide to eat.

5. Post reminder messages where you're likely to see them when stress-related food cravings strike. Use whatever message works for you. For example: “Are you really hungry?” or “Think about why you are eating.”

6. Physically remove tempting food items from your home or office. Never go shopping when you are hungry and always make a food list before shopping; only bring home what you are ready to eat.

7. Take time for yourself every day. Whether it's 10 minutes to reflect and relax, or a fun activity that will revitalize you, doing it is essential. Health is not just physical, mental well-being is just as important, you deserve to de-stress mentally every day!