Stress Eating - Need Help!
 

I am now stress eating. I have to say that always before I wouldn't eat when I was stressed and now all I seem to do is eat. I just can't seem to stop. I keep nibbling on everything. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

I am just the opposite; I eat when I am happy. My stomach is a mess when I am stressed.

But, when I am stressed I exercise. I walk the dogs, power walk, go to the gym, swim, MOVE to help calm myself.

Sorry, I didn't finish! Why don't you try exercising to see if it helps you the way it helps me.

What has you stressed? Can we brainstorm some ideas for you to replace the nibbling? There's always the standard "Go for a walk" or drink some water or hot tea, chew gum, suck on a hard piece of candy. I like to chew/melt ice in my mouth when I have the nibbles...

I don't know which diet you are on, so I hope this is helpful. Instead of eating everything, try getting foods that will actually help you. IE: an apple is negative calorie food (I'm sure you already know this) that takes more calories to digest then the apple had to begin with, so it is actually helping you lose weight. Other veggies help too, such as raw cauliflower. Course, this all depends on which diet you are on as the natural sugars in them may or may not throw you off......

I am a stress eater too and when I start "thinking" of food and know I am about to start eating, I will jump up and DO something that requires my attention until the craving passes. Such as playing the Wii, cleaning house, washing clothes, going out and working with my horses.....

I do the same thing. It took me a while to realize it and I can't always stop myself but having recognized it, I tend to do it a lot less. Maybe this is the case with you. Now that you understand what you're doing, you can think about it and try something like, having tea or fizzy water. That seems to help me. Also measuring everything helps as well. Good Luck!

How about just saying out loud "Hey, I'm stressed"!!!!!

Sometimes this works for me. I think it's because I hate to admit that I don't have control at that moment. So instead of just fessing up and saying I"M STRESSED!!!!!!!! I eat, eat, eat!!

Sounds silly I know but gosh it really does work!

I've even sat in my car (windows up) and yelled it at the top of my lungs!!

Anything to keep me away from the sugar and flour!

I'll have to try that next time I find myself stress eating. Thanks :D

When stressed I become a mindless grazer myself...I replaced alcohol and drugs as my addiction for times I cant deal with things after a miscarriage and two little ones to take care of and it has continued these last 20 plus years..interested in finding ways to break the cycle.

Brush your teeth, make yourself tea, chew some gum!

Leave the house now!!!

I like the yelling 'I'm stressed!" idea :) Taking deep breaths and making loud, annoying sighs helps relax me a bit :)

Maybe a hobby or activity? :-)

Sorry not to get for such a long time. I really appreciate the advice.

I am pleased to say that I have battled this problem and I feel that I have it under control somewhat. I have just had to come to a mindset of I can't eat that. I am doing much better and am exercising which is really helping. I am getting my figure back. I am really happy about that. Actually, with working out, I am getting a better figure back than I had before.

Anxiety is a real diet killer (believe me, I know :)). If stress or anxiety is a chronic issue; it may be time to talk to a doctor. No pill can make you happy or content (again, believe me, I know), but sometimes medication or councelling can help you control how you deal with stressful situations.

I am a stress eater, too, and don't always manage to beat it, but one thing I have found helps is if I turn off the TV (because it's usually on in my house). It forces me to look for something else to do and that helps distract me from focusing on food.