Ways to Stop Stress Eating

Are you an emotional eater? Do you feel better or relieved when you rely on food when stressed? Does that crunch of potato chips, or a sweet scoop of ice cream tempt you, especially on a stressful day? Most of us have been there.

And we are here to help you fight off your cravings with these uncomplicated steps.

Pay attention

Before you know you’ve gobbled on an entire packet of chips or a pint of ice cream. This is one of the main indications that you are eating because of emotional hunger and not actual physical hunger. So, pay attention to what you are eating. Slow down and do not shy away from asking yourself if you are truly hungry.

Wait

Before you succumb to your cravings, take five minutes to wait. Again, check with yourselves if you really are hungry or just want to grab that chocolate after a meal. Sometimes, all you need is a glass of water. We have a tendency to confuse hunger with thirst. 

Practice mindful eating

Slow down and relish the food that you eat. Do not eat with distracting elements around, be it watching TV, playing with your phone, driving, or even reading! When your mind is occupied elsewhere, you eat more mindlessly. 

Remove temptation

The next time you go grocery shopping, think twice (or thrice!) before grabbing that chips packet. Keep all the unhealthy snacks out of your home. When you don’t have access to it, you automatically will turn to healthier choices.

Maintain and stick to a healthy meal schedule

Do not skip meals. When you are hungry, you cannot control what you are eating. All you want to do is satiate your hunger and then you would resort to junk food. The best to avoid these scenarios is to maintain a healthy meal schedule. Cook your own meals if you have to. Prepare some ready-to-nibble snacks like vegetables and fruit. Keep a food diary if you may. 

Don’t be hard on yourself if you succumb to temptation once in a while. Seek professional help if you may.