Stress can wreak havoc in your life, adding another layer of complexity that is unwanted. Reduce the chaos in your life by learning how to overcome stress eating.
Food is used during times of sadness, loneliness, stress, and celebration too. It’s a source of goodness and complication. If you use food as fuel for your body to sustain your strength and energy, then you are on the right track.
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However, if you are using food to cope with stress, then you have a problem.
A problem that doesn’t have to be there, but must be dealt with before long-term, residual effects occur. Plus, not to mention the poor habits you will inherit by continuing to stress eat.
Now if you are anything like me, slowing down isn’t an option. And that’s why most people do not realize that stress eating is happening.
So first let’s discover if you are in stress eating mode or eating for your health.
Studies show that when we’re not paying attention to our food, we eat thirty percent more.
That’s A LOT more food!! And with the busyness lifestyle, thirty percent is probably on the lower end. It has now become the norm.
So in order to overcome stress eating, you must be mindful of eating.
The K.I.S.S. ~ Be mindful of eating!
Mindfulness isn’t just about your thoughts. It’s about your food too.
I read a statistic that said Americans eat all of their meals in 20 minutes. Whereas, Europeans average 2.5 hours a day during their mealtimes.
Looks like we need to slow down to get a handle not only on our stress but on eating for our health and well-being.
Food is fuel for our bodies. We need to see it as such instead of an activity to fill space and time.
So first off, are you a speed eater or a conversational eater?
If you are one who is gobbling down your food in seconds, slow down! Food needs to be chewed 20-30 times. Basically to make it a liquid before you swallow.
Try counting how many times your chew your food the next time you eat. And make it a game. Ask your family to join in on the fun. The results will surprise you.
What can you do to overcome stress eating?
- Know what you eat. Write a food journal. And no, this is not just for weight loss. Commit to 3 days including what you ate, how you felt emotionally and physically before and after the meal. Be as descriptive as you can. This is where you will see patterns.
- Consume one mindful meal daily. This is where you force yourself to SLOW DOWN. You are present with your meal incorporating all senses; paying attention to the details of texture, smells, tastes, and even presentation on the plate. The food is healthy and non-processed; eating food in its most natural state. And it’s a colorful plate with lots of vegetables and a good source of protein. Eat until you are 80% full, not busting at the seams!
- Explore what is happening when you’re not physically hungry. Hunger strikes below the neck. If you are not physically hungry, then what else is going on in your life that needs your attention regarding your mind, body, and spirit (i.e., connection, relaxation, faith, creative outlet, perspective, etc.).
You have enough stress in your life. Don’t complicate your health living by adding unnecessary stress by the way you eat.
Be mindful of eating. Fuel the body so it can serve you better. You have one body, take care of your body.
Be mindful of not filling the voids in your life with food. Look for what you know to understand what you don’t know.
“Stress does not control those who are mindful!”
#WellnessWednesday #CreateYourNow #HealthAndWellness
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Cover Art by Jenny Hamson
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Music by Mandisa – Overcomer
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Song ID: 68209
Song Title: Overcomer
Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia
Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI)
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