My Anxiety causes me to EAT!!! Any advice???

lexy83

I have really bad Anxiety and for what ever I just munch even more... I have no clue what to do. its stressful that when I am stressed I eat! Any Idea why this is happening to me?

taso42_DELETED

Talk to a doctor. And try taking your anxiety out in the form of exercise.

kwest_4_fitness

A lot of people suffer from stress eating. The best way to deal with it is to figure out how to deal with and minimize the stress if at all possible. Also keep healthy, low cal snacks on hand. I discovered the joy of Gerber Graduates fruit poofs and cheesy poofs. Sure, it's toddler food, but a 1/2 cup serving is only 25 calories and they're amazing for when you have a munchie attack. Low fat or air popped popcorn is another good one!

jg627

I've read that dietary fat deficiency can cause depression and anxiety. You're not doing a low fat diet are you?

fkdanons3nse

I used to have bad anxiety, thankfully it never made me eat much but i heard a saying in a movie once and i try to live by it now. "Action is the enemy of thought"

WWhitaker

It's a coping mechanism. Play around with some ideas and see what works for you, but be sure to give each idea some fair time to play out. I.E. Instead of eating when anxious, try walking, start a project, write out your concerns, etc. See if you can't learn to replace the habit.

dmpizza

Can you control what the anxiety is about?

Have you tried working out?

Sometimes if I really need something, I will have a scoop of whey protein in a glass of diet soda.

songbyrdsweet

Can you control what the anxiety is about?

Have you tried working out?

Sometimes if I really need something, I will have a scoop of whey protein in a glass of diet soda.

What does that taste/feel like? :huh:

cubbieblue10

I like to eat when I'm stressed or not feeling well (especially if I have a migraine). Some people suggest to turn your desire to eat into exercise or something, but that doesn't work for me.

The best I can do is stop before reaching for the cookie jar and remember my food diary. It helps to plan out all my food for the day in the morning, so then I know there isn't any wiggle room for a cookie (or five cookies).

Of course, if you really want to snack, go for the veggies.

RhonndaJ

A lot of people eat when stressed or anxious, in part because food tends to be comfort, but I want to say there's also something to do with things released when we eat that calm us... but the heck if I can find where I read this.

At any rate, what I've found helpful is to actually keep my hands busy. For me it's doing something repetitious. Crocheting or typing is helpful, but finding something to keep you distracted and busy. Preferably away from food.

Slimindown

Emotional eating is difficult. Sometimes finding a physical outlet for your anxiety is helpful (walk around the block, stretching,etc). However, you can also clean/ organize a drawer, or work on any project that takes your focus off anxiety/food. I also try ask myself the following questions: 1. Am I really hungry? 2. If I eat this . . .will I regret it and thus cause myself more anxiety?

poisongirl6485

Can you control what the anxiety is about?

Have you tried working out?

Sometimes if I really need something, I will have a scoop of whey protein in a glass of diet soda.

Hahahaha yeah....whey protein in diet soda sounds like a great way to curb cravings and munchies! :noway: