Stress Eating and How To Prepare

I too am a stress eater. It’s such a difficult habit to break and I still struggle with it. I agree that getting into a regular stress management routine is helpful, as the other member suggested. I also find that creating distance is a must for me. If I know I’m having a rough day and at risk for stress eating, I try to stay out of the kitchen if it’s not meal time and get busy doing something in another room. Not always possible, I know. But it does help.

I’ve also found that it’s worse when I’m tired. Sometimes what my body really needs is sleep, so if I find myself stress eating at night I just go to bed if I can.

Just know it’s a long-term battle and each day is an opportunity to do better. Worst thing we can do is get angry with ourselves. Prepare as best we can and move on when we lose the battle. And, of course, seeking help when needed!

Pre log your food for the day. When you want to reach for food, look at what’s next in the app. Are you willing to eat that at this time of day, knowing you need to make it last? If not, wait!

Consider what’s causing the stress.

A lot of us are like the frog in boiling water. It just creeps up on us til it overwhelms us.

I took a good look at my friends. My husband had nicknamed them the Bitter Divorcees Club. I told my best friend- politely and lovingly- I’d had enough nonstop exhusband rants. I never heard from her again. I wasn’t a friend. I was an outlet. Got rid of another similar friend.

My job. Family business. 30+ years. “Diaper Syndrome” even though I was nearly 50. Regretfully, in hindsight, so much time stolen from my own kids and husband. Your classic boiling frog. I quit. Parents stopped speaking to me. I thought I’d die of depression. But….it ended the incessant, unreasonable demands that had frog-boiled and I hadn’t even noticed. My happiness quotient went up a million-fold.

Kids. Grown. Gone. I try not to hover. One resents it, the other criticizes annd annalyzes every word that comes out of my mouth. She got that from Old Me.

I’m happier, which decreased my husband’s stress. Happiness is the opposite of the Vicious Cycle. There really is such a thing as a Happy Cycle.

You have to choose what you invite into your life.

The only stressor in my life right now is arthritis- manageable with exercise, and a rescue dog who requires constant firm attention. That stressor is my choice, and returns straight up -if cautious and reserved- nonjudgemental love.

I just try to be kinder and more positive, and surround myself with people who are likewise.

Check the sources of your stress.

Makes a massive difference. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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