What is stress eating, why do we do it, and how can we prevent it?

Life is stressful and we face an endless list of things to worry about every day. Whether we are worried about financial issues, our jobs, how to successfully raise our children into adulthood, our relationship with our significant other,  or any number of things that life decides to throw our way at any minute or hour of the day, we all have stressors. 

When stress levels rise, many people will change their eating habits. While some people will eat less, most people will often turn to food as a comfort measure to ease or manage their emotions. When this happens, not only is our appetites increased, we often reach for quick serve snacks that are high in calories and sugar, resulting in weight gain. 

When we are stressed we often feel as if we are being pulled in a million directions all at once. When this happens, we often put less emphasis on meal planning rather than eating healthy balanced meals. Studies have shown that eating regular balanced meals decreases cravings and provides steady energy. 

Try meal planning at the beginning of the week or the night prior. By having a plan and setting out food the night prior, you are less likely to grab that quick serve snack or pick unhealthy options in the drive thru. 

Thats not to say you can never eat sweet again, but instead of eating an entire full sized candy bar, maybe limit yourself to a small mini size candy bar on special occasions.  

Quick food options that are healthy and may prevent cravings of high calorie, sugary, or processed foods. 

1. Smoothie mixed with frozen fruit and dark leafy greens
2. Avocado multi grain toast
3. Nuts/Seeds
4. Popcorn
5. Fresh veggies (tomatoes, carrots, or celery)
6. Fresh fruit (apple, orange, grapes, banana, kiwi, pineapple, watermelon)