How To Enjoy Freedom From Stress Eating Once And For All

Some people seem to go straight to food when stressed without ever realizing they’re doing it. Food provides feelings of comfort and overall well being during times of fear or insecurity. This is because it provides neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that initiate warmth and overall pleasure. When a stressed person eats, their brains release dopamine and serotonin and they feel better.

When the urge to eat during stressful times is paired with the pleasure of neurotransmitters released by eating, we start to believe that that eating will alleviate symptoms of stress. Eventually our body connects eating with solving stress and/ or anxiety.

So, what DOES solve stress and/ or anxiety? I’ve developed a five step action plan that will decondition stress eating and move you into CONSTRUCTIVE action:

Step 1: Identify the exact feeling you are experiencing. Is it fear? Sadness? Disappointment? Something else?

Step 2: Name the exact sensations in your body. Do you feel nausea? Shortness of breath? Tightness in your shoulders? Tingling in your hands?

Step 3: Breathe and let the sensations dissipate.

Step 4: Identify the source of your feelings. Be sure to identify facts, rather than your version of the facts.

Step 5: Ask yourself what the constructive response to the facts is. “What is the next best move that aligns with my values and goals?”

Stress & anxiety is completely manageable without using food. In fact, the mental and physical stress from overeating worsens anxiety. Next time you feel stress, slow down. Rather than heading to the pantry, walk yourself through the five steps outlined above. You’ll start not only eating less, but also start taking addressing the issues in your life that need to be tended to in a positive way.