5 Tips for Avoiding Stress Eating

Jill Harris, LPN, CHC

December 9, 2020

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.

About the Author

Jill Harris is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who specializes in kidney stone prevention. Her goal is to teach you what you need to know and, more importantly, how to put that knowledge to work so you can stop forming stones. For good.

“The Kidney Stone Diet is far more than just a diet; this plan is life-altering!”

“The group calls will transform you physically and emotionally. Once you start this journey, your health naturally improves. I have lost a total of 40 pounds and have consistently kept it off. The group calls are such support; this is more like family than a zoom meeting to stay accountable. Jill is far more than a nurse; she is a life coach. Her platform is invaluable.”

Kim J. | Kidney Stone Prevention Course

“The best decision I’ve made has been to join this group.”

“I have been working on weight loss for many years. This group has kept me on track and has helped my continued success with my weight loss.”

Kate L. | Group Calls with Jill

“I have been following the Meal Plan for about 6 weeks and I feel amazing.”

“Eating healthy has also encouraged me to go to bed earlier, so I am also getting more sleep. Because of that, I have been able to get up before work and exercise! So yes, the positive effects are spilling over into all areas of a healthy lifestyle.”

Jerry T. | Meal Plan Subscriber

“I have been a part of the group calls with Jill for the last 14 months, and they are essential to being so successful with the Kidney Stone Diet Prevention Plan.”

Sarah B. | Group Calls with Jill

“These calls are the gold of this program!!”

“I can’t say enough about how Jill knows just the right questions to ask us or how she prods us to think about what is going on in our lives.”

Monica K. | Group Calls with Jill

“I took the course with Jill, and my second 24 hour urine was MUCH better than the first.”

“She gives very practical information, and it WORKS. I was totally overwhelmed at first. I got very poor diet information from my doctors. Jill made it easy for me to understand, and I took it one day at a time. I still watch her videos when I need a tune-up. Jill is the best, and she really cares about all of us. Take the course—it will help you!!!”

Mark J. | Kidney Stone Prevention Course