Ask a Coach: What can I do to stop stress eating while I’m stuck at home?
It’s not uncommon to eat more when you’re feeling anxious. You may also want to eat more when you are bored, or sad. This is called emotional eating. You may not be able to fix the cause of your stress. But there are some things you can do to curb stress eating.
Physical activity is great for de-stressing. It can also help you hit the pause button on emotional eating. Promise yourself you’ll do 10 pushups or run in place for 2 minutes before you reach for a snack. You may find that you needed a mental break more than the snack itself. Also, remind yourself that food doesn’t actually solve the cause of your stress! Make a list of activities that can help. Talking to a friend, family member, doctor or your coach may help put you at ease. Hobbies you can do with your hands like puzzles or coloring books are also good for easing nerves. They also make it harder to reach for a bag of chips!
-Expert Coach Chris E.