Stress and eating
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Stress and eating
We live in a stressful environment, and we often eat as a way of dealing with stress or as a way to calm ourselves. The following are some questions to consider if you eat to deal with stress.
- Have you noticed a change in your eating or weight since a change occurred in your stress level/lifestyle?
- Do you eat when you are not hungry or when you are full?
- Do you eat (or cook) to avoid dealing with a stressful situation?
- Do you find food very soothing?
- Do you use food as a reward? (For example, "That was really a tough job/assignment/argument. I need some ice cream/candy/popcorn!")
If you find that you eat because of stress, try the following:
- Take a short relaxation break.
- Take time to stop and think about what is really bothering you and how you could deal with it.
- Change what you're doing. Take a short walk down the hall or around the block.
- Call a friend.
- If you are truly hungry, reach for a healthy meal or snack. Focus on the experience of eating and enjoy your food.
Credits
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | March 6, 2008 |
| Last updated: | March 06, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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