weight loss factors

reddwarf63

Just thoughts on peoples experiences with weight loss and what helps them. I have found that in the past stress is my biggest factor to weight gain. In February i weighed 84.5kg, but now 10 days from christmas i weigh 99.5kgs.

I have recently given 2 weeks notice for the job that was stressing me out literally, i also suffer from IBS and a contributing factor to this is stress. So after that little blurb, do people find that once they cut out the stress and find their happy place , do they have more success with weight loss and sticking to their plans, any thoughts???

akmomof7

I actually took a different tactic and exercise away my stress. In my case, I can't quit my stressful situations as mine all center around my children (one is severely disabled, and I now have toddler twins both running in opposite directions and they sleep very badly so I am chronically sleep deprived ). I find that I deal with my stressors much better when I get my exercise done, and it gives me extra energy, so win/win. I am a stress eater, so I obviously do much better with keeping my calories in check when I keep my stress level low.

ddeliciosa

I'm currently pursuing a doctorates degree in pharmacy- so while school is in session I'm obviously more stressed out, however I tend to eat less and try to stick to healthier foods. In contrast, over this past summer I probably gained 5-10 pounds just by going out to eat with friends more and drinking frequently. I think it's all a balance. Stress can impact your cravings for food, however I believe there's a way to harness your stress like the previous poster said. Some things that have helped in the past for me is planning out my meals. I don't make everything beforehand, but I'll at least have an idea of what I'm going to eat and how many calories are there. I also have a dark chocolate bar side aside in the fridge for emergencies. I keep my pantry free of any temptation and try to resist any fast food.

Whitezombiegirl

Im the same as you. When im stressed i gain weight. The reason is that im too stressed to cook and prepare food so i rely on convenience food which is higher calorie. Im also much more likely to give in to eating sweets when im im in a **** it mood.

trigden1991

I find exercise to provide a break from day-to-day stresses. I set a goal, work out what I need to do to achieve it (calories & exercise) and then get going.

Lounmoun

I've found that I lose more when I am super stressed. When I get stressed I tend to eat less, pace and clean.

What helps me stick to my goals better is logging every morning for my whole day every day. It is a habit now.
I have dinners planned for the month and tend to eat the same things for other meals pretty often.

Samarisa

Learn to cook from scratch, and then do it.

Still working on it, I'm not the world's best, but I enjoy it now. And it destresses me. It's creative.

JeromeBarry1

I'd rather have a high stress job than no job at all. I've tried it both ways and the job paid more. Within the job environment, I do have to respond to irrational expectations with promptness and alacrity. So, yes, I guess it is stressful. I noticed recently that "whoosh" events happened on weekends if I managed to stay within my calorie goal on Fridays-Sundays. I figured that with less stress and less of the stress hormone cortisol, it was easier to release water.

cwolfman13

I gained weight primarily because I went from being very active to sedentary. When I lost weight, I tweaked my diet a little, but nothing crazy...mostly I started trying to get the recommended servings of fruit and veg and I cut way back on soda...but I also started exercising and being more active in general. I tend to put on about 10 Lbs every winter because my activity level drops (both general and exercise)...trying to avoid that this year because I already put on 10 Lbs over about 4 months nursing an injury.

I'm not the best about cutting back on food when I'm not exercising or when my activity level decreases. It always comes right back off though in the Spring when I start logging those miles again though.

gnu4liberty

I have MS. I don't walk anymore. I just stick to the calorie guidelines. I am losing weight with about zero exercise.

irandra23

When am stressed.. i just want a bucket of ice cream so i tend to gain in that period however i am now learning how not to use food to deal with my emotions like writing or taking a walk and reflecting on what i need to do to get out of the stressful situation

spzjlb

I have a very stressful career and I'm a terrible sleeper. I do a short but intense bit of exercise every day (at home) that helps me with stress and givens a bit of energy. For me, I love to cook so planning our food (something healthy and delish for the family but within my calorie allotment) lets me divert my attention to something I enjoy that also makes good use of my time.

So - I think it's individual. Someone who hates being in the kitchen would not share my strategy. Likewise, if you hate exercise, then that might not be fun.

Good luck.