Stress Eating

Violentbeauti

Does anyone have any suggestions to stop, or help curve, this ridiculous stress eating?

For those who may not know what I'm referring to is then you're stressed and all you want to do is eat the most horrendous things you can find. You can't leave the grocery store without some piece of chocolate. Eating an entire box of Hot Pockets seems like the best idea (at the start at least) you've had in ages.

Stress for me slows my metabolism down a wicked amount, so eating all this terrible stuff either means I'm maintaining or gaining. Not to mention, the worst part in my opinion, is the whole lack of energy to work out thing.

Outside of the obvious identify and work on the stresses, what's some intermediate steps that would help?

Thanks ya'll!

snflwr04

I do the exact same thing! Chocolate is my vice and go to item when I'm stressed. I always tell myself to brush my teeth or drink a protein shake instead of eating oreos; but when I've got it in my head, it's all I can think about.

I too, would appreciate some advice.

Lleldiranne

I have the same problem. My best results came from:
Drink a big glass of water.
Exercise! right away, instead of going to the store. Go running or hop on the elliptical, or even do yoga. Exercise releases endorphins, which counteract the stress hormones. (One of my favorites was to do weights, because I could focus so much on form I was no longer thinking about stressors).
Eat a light snack or meal.
You'll feel a whole lot better afterwards.

Crimson21

I know what you mean. I'm a stress eater too, as well as an emotional eater, and I tend to binge eat at times. It can be quite disgusting actually. The easiest thing for me, is to just not keep any unhealthy item in my home whatsoever. No chocolate, no cookies, nothing. If I get stressed out, I try to do something productive to keep my mind off of what I'm stressed about, like just doing pushups or situps. It gets my blood flowing, the endorphins going, and releases my stress.
I had the same problem with low energy and just not wanting to workout whatsoever. But believe me, once you get up and do it, you'll be happy you did. The more you start the workout, the more your energy level increases. Sometimes you just have to do it and not think about it. Having a lot of friends on MFP is definitely something good to have. We are your support system. If there's times you feel so stressed out and just want to eat chocolate and chips....post it and tell everyone. People will help keep you calm and help motivate you to not eat bad and to exercise. This website is great for support and motivation.

RawFeelsGood

Exercise! right away, instead of going to the store. Go running or hop on the elliptical, or even do yoga. Exercise releases endorphins, which counteract the stress hormones.

Definitely the way to go! I'm in the middle of writing a thesis with limited time...and boy is that stress creeping up! I tend to eat healthy things, but it still doesn't justify the act of eating as a result of stress or other emotions. If you work at a desk at home a lot like I do, I tend to either stop and turn on some music to dance (I love dancing), or, if it's nice out, I'll just go for a brief walk and maybe pickup a few things I need to buy anyway. (This is if I've already my daily workout).

I find that calling friends isn't enough, especially if they don't understand the reason behind the stress. It's such a personal matter that you have to do something by and for yourself to get through it (of course, other than coming here, where you'll find tons of support!)

I'm looking forward to reading what others have to say!