What does this even mean you may ask, why’s it even a thing?!
The urban dictionary defines it as someone who, in reaction to high levels of stress, eats excessive amounts of food.
“Damn, John just ate four hamburgers and downed a chocolate shake!” “Yeah, he has been studying for finals all week.”
So yeah, its a thing!! A big thing!
I can already hear someone say “ehen aunty! now you have defined it, whats your point exactly, what do you suggest we do?
Living in this part of the world it’s almost impossible not to feel stressed from work, the news (now it’s #endsars #endswat), the future of the nation, money etc. All these things contribute to stress but turning to food is unhealthy because it becomes a part of you without you realising it.
We have to be mindful of how we treat our bodies at all time including times when we feel stressed. Whenever i feel stressed i go for a walk, take a long drive or see a movie when i get a chance. This is how i react to stress.
However, where i fall most times is emotional eating (yes! Its also a thing) I always reach for something i do not particularly like because I’m sad – I’m learning to deal with that by doing a few things you can do too if you stress eat or like me, emotionally eat.
✨Daily Affirmations/ Meditation -You might consider affirmations to be unrealistic “wishful thinking.” But try looking at positive affirmations this way: many of us do repetitive exercises to improve our physical health, and affirmations are like exercises for our mind and outlook. These positive mental repetitions can reprogram our thinking patterns so that, over time, we begin to think – and act – differently.
✨Exercise- This definitely cuts out some of the negative effects of stress. Some of my go-to favourites are yoga and tai chi.
✨Self-Care- It’s important we map out time from our busy schedule and do something for yourself. You have to be intentional about me-time!
✨Having a friend to talk to- we all need a shoulder to lean on, call that friend to get your mind off somethings.
✨Portion Control- having done all these things and you still want a little something, practice portion control, cut that bar of chocolate in half and in another half😁 limit the amount of unhealthy foods in your pantry, get a journal track what you eat especially on the days you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
Stress Eating is definitely a thing but you can control how you react to it. Eat mindfully, stay focused.
Did this help? Kindly leave a comment below, I’d love to know what you think.
Eat Live Love 