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.
Print this page |
©1998-2009 Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics
