5 Tips for Avoiding Stress Eating

The year is nearly over, and I think, for the most part, we can all agree that we are ready for 2021. I am.

I’m pretty busy these days with private clients, more than usual. It’s no surprise that many of them are calling me for weight loss help as staying home and being stressed has led to much emotional eating. 

Whether you’re bored, stressed, sad, lonely, frustrated, or angry, (or a combination of all these), emotional eating is very common, pandemic, or no pandemic. 

Here are some quick tips to help you next time you find yourself trying to fill your emotional void with food.

1. Be mindful. Notice that you are overeating and choosing unhealthy foods. It’s not a problem that you are indulging here and there, but don’t go on autopilot and not realize what you are eating and, more importantly, how much you are eating. 

2. Do not have trigger foods in your house. I stock my home with healthier snacks that I have a bit more control over. You will not find crackers in my house as I am a fanatic.

3. Don’t buy food for your kids that you can’t resist. “But Jill, my daughter loves [FILL IN THE BLANK], and they are my favorite too!” Some snacks are just too tempting to have in the house. To the best of my knowledge, my son has never had a Cheez-It, and he’ll never find them in this apartment. They are simply one of those snacks that I can not keep my hands off. I will devour the whole box. 

4. Separate your food. For the snacks you choose to keep in your home, designate a separate cabinet for them. My son has his little snack cabinet, but that’s his territory, and I don’t even think to open it. Out of sight, out of mind!

5. Find an alternative. What else can you do when you find yourself grabbing unhealthy food or too much food in general? Can you go for a walk? Phone a friend? Drink some water? Chew some gum? Dance inside your house? Clean? Journal? I know you are probably thinking, “Journaling is NOT going to happen, sister. I need a snack!” But do you? Find another activity instead of eating. Your mind and body will thank you later.

Overeating, combined with inactivity, leads to weight gain. Being overweight is a precursor for kidney stone disease and every other disease known to (wo)man. Do your best to be mindful of your food intake, and if you do have some extra snacks here and there, make healthier choices.