Are you a stress eater?

Most days start off with good intentions and fresh hope for meeting our daily weight loss goals. We want to feel energized and at peace with our food decisions, but often we are met with the chaos of life. 

Unexpected (or expected) stress from work. 

Family drama (especially as the holidays approach).

A last minute social invitation to a party or dinner full of all sorts of rich foods.  

And all of a sudden we’re battling with ourselves. We’re already starting the mental war of pre-guilt from food we haven’t even eaten yet but are starting to obsess over. Suddenly food seems to be the best way to deal with the stresses of life. 

I may be days behind on work, but if I go to the store and buy a package of cookies, it’ll make the day so much better. 

But what if we’re ready to break the cycle of using food as a coping mechanism? What if we’re ready to face the fear of admitting we cope with stress with food? 

Friend, let me tell you, it won’t happen overnight. Changing habits takes time, and takes a lot of practice. The smaller the steps, the more manageable the process will be, and often times a change in the way you think can make a huge difference.

So here are 3 simple questions you can ask yourself the next time you feel like you are about to spin out of control and binge on food: 

1. Is this food going to make me happy? 

Our brains are searching for a hit of dopamine to cope with stress. Food gives our brains that hit of dopamine, but after we finish an entire package of cookies, we’re often unhappy and the guilt floods in. It’s helpful for us to stop and ask ourselves if the food we want to eat in large quantities is truly going to fix the issue, create happiness or just a temporary brain high. 

2. What choice is going to make me feel like I’m free? 

Food binges often make us feel like we’re in chains. The out of control feeling of finishing an entire cake or pizza leaves us with little freedom. Take time to ask yourself what choice will lead to feeling like you’re not chained to food. Is it taking a walk outside? Calling a trusted friend and venting about the situation? Or finding the perfect playlist to blast on your headphones during your next break?

3. Is there anything I can do about what’s causing my stress? 

If the answer is no, it’s important that we practice accepting what’s out of our control. I know, this is easier said than done and may be topic for another day.

If the answer is yes, it may be time to make that move. Even if it seems difficult to make that move, acknowledging that the option is there may help you feel more in control of your choices, and help you say no to a box of cookies, or help you stop after you’re satisfied with a few.   

Many times it is helpful to recognize where you are at in your relationship with food and which tools will be most beneficial to helping you reach your goals or feel more confident with food choices.

I have just the thing you need! Take this quiz to see what type of dieter you are. You will then receive a free resource based on your results that will help you take 10 steps closer to your goal.

Leave a comment below telling me what challenges you struggle with and how I can help! Look out for a blog post on your topic!