Ways To Avoid Stress Eating
December 1, 2020Are you eating more due to stress? You're not alone, there are ways to avoid stress. Many people react to stress by overeating or being inactive. Stress eating may provide comfort initially, but it starts a vicious cycle which may increase stress and your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
You can stop the vicious cycle by proactively addressing the feelings behind your hunger, and finding alternative ways to deal with stress when it occurs.
Ways to Prevent Stress
What kinds of things make you feel stressed and overeat? Whether they are stressors related to work or life in general, there are approaches that may help:
- Use a problem-solving approach.
- Plan ahead.
- Start saying, "No."
- Seek out social support.
- Set realistic goals.
- Ask for help.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Eat mindfully.
Dealing with Stress When It Occurs
There are some events you cannot control. When you can't avoid stress, catch yourself feeling stressed as early as you can. Take a 10-minute "time out" and:
- Move those muscles.
- Pamper yourself.
- Breathe.
Prevention and managing stress is hard work because you are re-learning old habits. These lifestyle changes can quite literally redefine your health – and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some kinds of cancer.
YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program
The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program can help you develop lifelong healthy habits. Eight YMCA locations in the state of New Hampshire – and 200 other Ys around the country -- help thousands of people reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This small-group program helps people with prediabetes increase their physical activity, eat healthier, and lose weight, which can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Call 603.232.8668 or visit our website for more info and to sign up for a program where you live.
