Stress eating: HELP!

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2/18/13 9:07 A

What are some ways that you can relieve stress other than eating? If you can identify some quick go to things to do when you're stressed, it might help. Here are a few that work for me:
- exercsing
- zoning out on Pinterest or Facebook
- looking at vacation packages on expediat (a girl can dream)
- calling a friend or sister
- reading blogs and message boards on Sparkpeople
- reading
-stretching
I takes some time and a lot of will-power, but if you can sort of train yourself to recognize when you're feeling stressed, and take even a 10 minute break to do something to relax, you will feel better AND you won't have the guilt about overeating.

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2/17/13 7:45 P

The fruit thing really works, especially oranges and grapefruit. Work is stressful to me at times so I would buy the bags of snack size candy and keep it at my desk and find I snacked on it all day. I replaced it with fruit and it really helps. I actually think the cutting and getting into it helps relieve some of the stress. Cara Cara oranges are actually my preference.

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2/17/13 11:20 A

Hi ya. It has been a while since i have been studying full time ( however i just finished my part time course and passed my last exam in December after starting it back in 2005) but I am mum to very energetic 2 year old toddler , working full time and responsible for all house work, food shopping etc....

So i can relate to your stress level. The way i look at life - it can be stressful but if you won't it bother you it can be fun too. Try to look at thing positive. If you can't change your life around you you can change your outlook.

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2/17/13 8:03 A

I have the same issue was well. I'm a student and had a stressful day yesterday. I ended up eating double my calorie limit. For me, as well, when I go out in the evening I use that as an excuse to eat more (such as grabbing poutine after going to the bar). I would not say that I have a solution, I just wanted you to know that you're not alone.

Obviously stress eating is undesirable. But you can still lose weight if it only happens once in a while. I would add exercise as a stress reliever (I know that when you're stressed you don't necessarily have time for exercise) so that food isn't always what to turn to.

Good luck!

Edited by: SPORTYLAWGIRL at: 2/17/2013 (08:04)

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2/17/13 7:30 A

I can second that grapefruit thing. Unless you are on a medication that doesnt allow it, try it every morning. It somehow decreases the need for sugary food the rest of the day.
Maybe you can also write down what decreases stress for you. Be reasonable, and plan something. For instance: if yoga works for you, you can make a pact with yourself. First do 15 minutes of yoga (great videos free on youtube!) have a cup of hot tea, and if you still feel like eating, you can have a slice/piece of something. Repeat until works. :)

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2/16/13 8:27 P

PURPLE - I am the same way, whenever I was stressed I would eat alot. One day I changed that with fruits and I kept eating fruits. Among all the fruits, grapefruit does the magic for me and after one grapefruit I become relaxed and my sugar level returns to normal and I get energy. Try oranges too, yum yum. that way you will consume low calorie and your body will get proper energy for your studies. have fun at school.

Edited by: HTARIN at: 2/16/2013 (20:28)

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2/16/13 5:30 P

Hey! So I'm a Nursing Student and it is super stressful! Recently I've been noticing that I have been eating WAYYY more than I should. Like I'm going over my calorie limit by 1000 calories each day and so obviously I'm not loosing any weight. I was wondering if you guys have any tips for how to stop stress eating. Thanks so much everyone! God Bless! :)

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