How Do I Keep From Stress Eating??? Grrr

I read a book and chew gum. Chewing gum takes care of the need to munch on something and reading allows me to escape my life for a time and think about someone else's life.

The good news is Today is a new day!!! :-) One of my FB friends had a great status today: " Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." I think we can apply that to our weight loss journeys as well! One thing that has helped me is I don't keep anything in the house (for the most part) that is bad for me. I keep healthy snacks and treats in the house at all times. I have to - or I know I'll make bad choices! I always have a beautiful fruit bowl on my dining room table, reduced fat whole wheat crackers & laughing cow cheese, baked chips, fresh veggies that I wash and cut up and put in the fridge as soon as I bring them home, kashi cereal (they make a great one with cranberries and blueberries in it - making it nice and sweet!), etc. That way, if I do have the munchies and go over my calories some, at least it's with low cal healthy foods! I've also discovered that going for a brisk walk is fantastic for stress relief! I understand you can't do this at night - but maybe earlier in the day, after we wakes up. My hubby works 3rd shift, too - last week he frustrated me to no end - so around 7pm, when I was really feeling the stress, I laced up my tennis shoes, grabbed my water bottle, and hit the sidewalk! It really did melt the stress away. Plus, knowing I had burned those extra calories, I didn't want to just blow them! I hope to get a mp3 player sometime soon - which will make my walks even more stress relieving. Music really does wonders for me! Don't beat yourself up - and don't let this one slip damper your goals!! Make today count! :-)

I try to brush my teeth before I eat anything. Most of the time I am not hungry and after you brush your teeth with a nice minty toothpaste, you really don't want to eat. (Nothing tastes good with toothpaste) that allows me to figure out if I am hungry or just stress eating. PS your dentist will love you

I too exercise to avoid stress or boredom eating. If I work my *kitten* off then I dont want to sabatoge it by eating bad, plus I am just to worn out to eat! LOL!
Good luck and hang in there! :happy:

I have the same problem with eating at night. I do an excellent job all day, eating healthy and portion control. Then boom, I'll way overeat (or drink calories) at dinner and after. I think it is because I associate snacking with reading and watching TV. If I can keep myself busy I don't usually slip up as much. I have found if I brush my teeth and use mouthwash after dinner it cuts back my cravings. Also, drinking water helps.But really the only thing that works for me is not buying easily accessible unhealthy snacks. I am usually too lazy to actually walk to the store just to buy a snack and usually by the time I get there I have had the time to reconsider my options.
Maybe you could change your routine when your husband leaves for the night. I don't know how late it is but maybe you could change your workout time to then, or take a shower, go for a walk, call friend/family (hard to eat while talking), or something else that is different.
Don't be discouraged!

I bought a punching bag! When I am stressed I hit that thing like there's no tomorrow! Great exercise too! You can buy cheapy ones at Walmart or Target even.

hahaha I like that. May invest in one :laugh:

What works for me is to try and get in touch with my hunger. If I feel like eating I stop and consider if I am hungry or just stressed. If I am not really hungry or not sure I try to get busy with something else not food related and maybe drink some H20. I find chewing a flavorful gum and drinking H20 is helpful and satisfies false eating urges. Also "forgive and forget" It is a new day and you can make the most of it. Remember it is a weight loss journey not a single event.

I agree w/ this! Put food down and go for a run or work out w/ a DVD!

my husband went to a movie I wasn't interested in last night and I discoved the fridge was a magnet to me. So I changed my ruitine and put on my running cloths and ipod and went running for 30minutes. I've never exercised at night, but I enjoyed it. Was only thirsty after, so I had a tall OJ to use some of the calories. Evenings can be hard so you have to break some long existing habits with change. Try differnt things and take note of what works. Musis helps switch moods. Best wishes.