Stress eating is tough to avoid in this day and age. But we have prepared a useful guide for you: 5 easy steps to prevent the perils of snacking when the pressure gets to you.
If you’re anything like the most of us, your life is full of challenges. And sometimes, when the pressure gets to you, you find yourself having a snack or two, or maybe an extra cup of coffee, just to cope with the surroundings. Stress eating is not healthy though, not to mention it’s terrible for your diet.
Whenever we’re exhausted and stressed, we tend to go for carbs, sugar, and caffeine. These foods give us momentary comfort, and temporary energy, until we crash again, feeling more tired than ever. Look into how you can avoid sleep deprivation, rest more, and eat better.
For the sake of your body and your mind, try these strategies!
5 tips and tricks to avoid stress eating
1.Prepare a snack
But a healthy one. Try to always have with you some fruit, maybe bananas or tangerines, which are easy enough to eat. They are a healthier alternative to pastries or chocolate bars. If you already have a snack in your bag, you will be less likely to eat something unhealthy.
2.Look for alternatives for your guilty pleasures
If you usually crave chocolate, then try some raw chocolate variety or only eat two squares of dark chocolate. If you love crunchy things, try some carrot sticks instead of pretzels. Get creative, because we live in an age when we have so many options for tastes and textures.
3.Walk it off
If you feel stressed, maybe you just need a break from work. Don’t worry; the world won’t crash and burn if you take a 5-minute break unless you work as an air traffic controller! A short walk will help relax your body, and the sun will infuse you with vitamin D. What have you got to lose?
4.Keep it simple
Don’t complicate your life by trying fancy healthy snacks. You will be less likely to cook them and take them with you at work. Slice an apple or a pear, sprinkle some cinnamon on them, and you’re good to go!
5.Work on your feelings
Binging on unhealthy food is sometimes a sign that you have some emotions you are not dealing with. Text a friend, even if you’re at work, make a phone call, or maybe write in a notebook about the things that triggered your stress. The more open you are with yourself and try to figure out your emotions, the less you will need to cover everything up by eating.