Stress and weight gain

Advertisement  

When you are under stress, you may find it difficult to eat healthy food. In times of high stress, in particular, you may eat to try to meet emotional needs; sometimes called stress-eating or psychologically-related eating, and potentially high-calorie foods, particularly in times of stress, even If you do not feel hungry.
To avoid weight gain during stress and reduce the risk of obesity, start by understanding your stress. When you feel less stress and more control over your life, it may be easier to adhere to healthy eating habits and exercise.

Try the following methods in dealing with pressure to combat weight gain associated with stress:
- Recognize warning signs of stress, such as anxiety, agitation and muscle tension.
- Before eating, ask yourself why you are eating: Are you really hungry or are you feeling nervous or anxious?
- If you tend to eat when you are not hungry, find something that works for you.
- Do not ignore meals, especially breakfast.
- Identify foods that are high in calories and that you like to eat in times of trouble, and do not keep them in your home or office.
- Keep a record of your behaviors and eating habits, so you can look for patterns and relationships, and learn how to overcome them.
- Learn problem solving skills, so you can anticipate challenges and adapt to setbacks.
- Exercise relaxation skills such as yoga, stretching, massage, deep breathing or meditation.
- Maintain physical activities or exercise.
- Get enough sleep.
- Get encouragement from your family and friends who support you.
If you have tried to deal with psychological stress on your own, but found that it does not work, be sure to get specialized help through psychotherapy or counseling.