Many people sometimes eat without being hungry. Most often, the reason is stress. But bingeing on comfort food as a coping mechanism, unfortunately does not lead to happiness, not over the long term anyway.
Any time you eat for reasons other than physical hunger, you can end up feeling guilty, even ashamed. In turn, shame creates a stress response and causes physical side effects that can affect your digestion and sleep, increase inflammation, and lead to infections. And, because you may feel guilty for stress eating, you continue to stress eat. It’s a vicious cycle.
If your eating habits are getting in the way of your physical and mental health, there are ways you can satisfy these needs with other activities. Here are more things to do when stressed (other than stress eating).
Do Some Stretches
Stress builds up in our bodies and then creates more stress and discomfort. You don’t have to suddenly take up jogging to relieve stress. You can be kind to yourself and your body by stretching out your neck or your back. Try to create comfort in your body in ways that don’t involve eating.
Breathe
It’s impossible to be stressed and relaxed at the same time. When you start relaxing, you reverse the cycle of growing more stressed or anxious. Try a breathing exercise and focus on your breathing or heartbeat for just sixty seconds. Short centering breaks like this can help you anchor yourself and create mindfulness.
Treat Yourself
If you’re stressed or exhausted, treat yourself with a hot cup of tea, take a bath, light some scented candles, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Even something simple like watching your favorite Netflix show, reading a good book, or walking in nature can help take your mind off of things.
Bring Out Your Inner Chef
Trying a new healthy recipe or planning your meals a few days ahead can help to take the focus away from stress triggers while improving your diet quality at the same time.
[RECIPE] CHICKEN SAUSAGE TACOS WITH CILANTRO LIME SAUCE
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup plain Greek dairy-free yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound chicken sausages (nitrate-free), sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- Gluten-free taco shells OR lettuce wraps
Directions:
- Add cilantro, yogurt, lime juice, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Mix well. Let it sit in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
- Place a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil.
- Once the oil melts, add sliced sausage, spinach, and tomato. Cook until the sausage is done (about 5 minutes).
- Serve the sausage mix in taco shells or lettuce wraps topped with cilantro sauce.
To Your Health,
Patti
