Ask the Experts- December 2024

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I am feeling very stressed and have gained weight because I grab anything I can to eat to feel better for the moment. Any ideas to help me not eat so much?

Rachelle

Dear Rachelle,

You are not alone. With all the stress in our lives within our personal relationships, work life and what is happening in the world, many people, like yourself, turn to food to feel good. Oftentimes it is processed food or candy that we think will numb our stress. These foods certainly contribute to all those added pounds that we carry around. It sounds as if you are an emotional eater. You could consider curbing your stress eating by shifting your focus on what you can control.

You might want to try some of these self-help options:

IDENTIFY THE STRESSORS

• Keep a diary of the stressors that trigger the snacking and write down what you eat and how you are feeling when you eat and how hungry you truly are
• Try some stress management techniques – deep breathing, meditation
• Adapt healthier behaviors. When you feel bored and want to grab those snacks, take a walk, read a book or do anything that distracts you from snacking
• Eat healthier snacks – fruit, veggies, unbuttered popcorn, or lower calorie versions of your foods
• Focus in on small positive changes in your eating habits
• Speak to your doctor if some of these self-help options aren’t working