How do I stop sweet cravings and stress eating

I need to stop stress eating

Answers

  • xbowhunter
    xbowhunter Posts: 1,248 Member
    I find if I am busy, I don't even think about food. Try to find a hobby or a side Hussle to keep your mind occupied.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,234 Member
    If something other than fueling or nutrition needs are spiking appetite, then I think it's best to deal with the root problem.

    In the case of stress eating, the root problem is the stress.

    Can you reduce the stress in your life?

    For stress that can't be avoided: Have you tried a range of classic stress management techniques? (Some common examples: Journaling, mild exercise, warm bubblebath/shower (aromatherapy?), calming music, prayer/meditation, a creative activity, engaging with children or pets, enjoying comedy, affirmation or self-hypnosis recordings, adult coloring books, etc.)

    If sleep quality/quantity is a problem, trying to improve that might help with stress, too.

    Some people also find it helpful to sit with the stressful feelings, and think about what is causing them and how to respond - if stress eating is a way of avoidance.

    I know this is hard. But I do think these are things we can work on, and improve; and reduce the extent to which we compensate with food for non-food-related issues.

    Best wishes!

    P.S. If you've cut calories super far in pursuit of fast weight loss, maybe think about slowing the bus down. Calorie deficit is a physical stress itself, even though we hope it will lead to positive overall outcomes long term. In some cases, a moderate weight loss rate will get a person to a goal weight in less calendar time than a more extreme routine that causes bouts of deprivation-triggered over-eating, breaks in the action, or even giving up altogether.
  • wm3796
    wm3796 Posts: 98 Member
    Strategies that have worked for me include going for a walk, working in my yard or garden, some other distracting activity, putting the foods that I would reach for out of sight( back or pantry, etc). I have even put multiple rubber bands around packages of choc chips, other sweet stuff easy to grab handful of. So if I wanted this I would have to undo 5-6 rubber bands and the process of this usually makes me think…. Wait I don’t really want this.