As you can probably guess from the title I'm looking for ideas with how to cope with stress eating all of the chocolate!
I have a fair amount of stress in my life at the moment which is unfortunately not going to change in the next few months. I'm in the final stages of my PhD, I'm trying to look for a job for afterwards with little luck so far which makes me worry about money and my partner and I are in the process of doing up our house (it was a definite project when we bought it) so there's more time and money to worry about.
I already average about 13000 steps a day and go to the gym 3-4 times a week but during the day I'm still getting stressed and worried and going to the vending machine or little tesco far too often. That's where all the most recent weight gain is from.
What do other people do to help combat this sort of mindless eating?
I can understand you being under stress with all that going on in your life. To avoid the chocolate try not to buy in it and instead of walking to Tesco's go in the opposite direction and just have a walk. When I need something sweet I eat Yogurt covered Cranberries, they are cheap and one bag does 4 snacks and it's healthy too. So what I'm trying to say is look for another snack that is healthy but also stops you having that sweet craving too.
I am very much an emotional eater and stress also plays it's part in that. I have been reading a book about cognitive behaviour therapy and finding some of the exercises they give quite helpful. I have to be mindful of what I'm doing and if i reach for the treats I ask myself if I'm really hungry and should I not be eating something healthier/more substantial if I truly am. I also try distraction techniques too, writing diary going for a walk deep breathing anything to take me away from food. I still mindlessly reach for the shnacks at times but I'd say 80% of the time I can stop myself now. It's hard but do-able. I have also learned to be pleased with myself for being strong. To some it may only be saying no to a chocolate bar but to me that's a little win. an achievement, a little 'well done' moment, and that makes me far happier than that choccie bar could've. It's early days for me but hoping I can keep this up, so far so good!
I think you need to learn how to deal with the anxieties and fear associated with the stress (remember some stress is normal) before you can tackle the eating. Do some reading and research, (check the resources section in 'topics')
I work from home now and have had to rid the house of all tempting treats, but years ago when I went out to work I had the same problem that you describe. The only way I could get past the temptation was to take in healthy packed lunches and snacks and absolutely no money with me at all. Things are a bit more difficult these days as I know I'd probably take a debit card with me for emergencies, but if you can make your money a little more difficult to access and put a note on top of your cards saying "don't buy snacks" it may work.
Good luck with your weight loss and also with your PhD x
If they're still usable but you're not going to eat them, why not give them to a neighbour or a local food bank. Clear out the cupboards of bad stuff as it'll avoid temptation.
If the vending machine takes cash only, try avoiding carrying cash. When you're in Tesco consider an alternative or take something with you to eat afterwards. That might help?
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How to cope with stress-related eating?
Fed up with over eating !😒
