Diet and Stress

[Brenda Lee]

I have been on a diet for two weeks now and today and last night I cheated. I have lost 7.6 pounds so far and my diet is under a Physicians care.

My problem is that I have a lot of stress at home, and I noticed whenever I'm stressed and get depressed that I tend to want to eat. Probably the same reason I gained the weight in the first place because I was always so trim. Please advise the best way to stop myself from taking this avenue because I will get right back on track but I don't want to do this again.

[AJEDrew7]

One of the main ways I relieve stress is exercise. I think that seeing that you're trying to lose weight, maybe that may be a positive outlet for stress relief? Just a suggestion. Some people are different than others and may not enjoy or find it to relieve stress as much as others.

[CarnelianButterfly]

I stress eat, too, but to help myself with the oral satisfaction of it I've started drinking water. Its great for hydration and it keeps me away from junk. I will also keep healthy snacks to munch, celery is perfect, lots of crunch, takes time to eat and its fiber and low cal. You can still eat, but making better choices about what you eat will make the difference.

 

Also, 7.6 pounds in 2 weeks is pretty fast. I expect a fair amount is water weight, but 1-2 pounds per week is better for long term weight reduction. You reduce your weight slowly and make subtle changes that you can maintain and you will have better success keeping it off. I've lost about 23 pounds since Christmas, sure I'd like it to be instant, but I didn't gain the weight in a few months, it took years, so I know it will take time to work it off. Slow and steady works.

[Brenda Lee]

Thank you all, I now have better insight.

[Firiel]

When I feel like eating because of stress/boredom, I will often make myself a cup of tea. I generally use non-caffeinated tea like peppermint or something so I'm not consuming a ton of caffeine.