What do you do about stress eating?

[Harambe]

My dad finally came home from the hospital (he was there for a whole month!). Even though the daily visits were a lot, it is nothing compared to having him home. It is a big job to juggle all his visiting nurses, filling prescriptions, cooking his meals and doing his food shopping.

I am trying desperately to give my kids some summer fun while this is going on, and I just feel that I am stretched to the max. Also doesn't help that my dad is cranky (he is still in pain) and is constantly telling me to lose weight, or pointing out the fact that if I wasn't so fat, I wouldn't be sweating so much.

So by the time I get up to my house (he lives in my downstairs apt.) I'm pouring the wine and pulling out the snack!

My knitting is helping out quite a bit - but I know I am not staying on my points, and I haven't been writing anything down.

Any tricks for me out there? What do you do to stop yourself from emotional eating? Help!

Leslie

 

[lisajl]

Oh boy! That is a tough one! I think I would be stress eating, too.
I am sorry you are having to deal with all of this.

Not sure what to tell you, either.

When I start to feel stressed I try to find another outlet to keep me away from the chips. I guess the thing I have been doing the most is taking the dog out in the back yard.
I don't have the kind of stress you are dealing with, but try to find something else to calm your nerves. Listen to some music, call a friend and vent.

Good luck.
Lisa

 

[LisaTx]

I can sure sympathize with you, Leslie. My 83 yo mom lives with us. She had surgery last week and came home even more cranky than usual.

When she gets me upset I always call DH and vent. It really helps me. Do you have someone you can vent to?

I'm usually an emotion eater too, but since I've started Atkins it has been much easier to control. I still snack when I get the urge, but I grab a little piece of cheese or something else that is allowed on the plan.


Good luck with the diet and with your dad.

 

[tiggerlover]

I don't have any advice for you as I am a stress eater as well. I just wanted to offer you some {{{HUGS}}} during this difficult period.

 

[Harambe]

Thanks guys!

Gee - the more I hear about the Atkins, the more I'm thinking that would be a good plan for me!

 

[jenanderson]

I am sorry for the stress in your life right now. It is always hard when it is a family member who is causing the stress.

I am a stress eater. I will shove anything I can find in my mouth when I am stressed out. Right now I am trying to get over this and find other things I can do to take away the stress (read for 10 minutes, take a shower, walk, etc.) but when I do need to just shove things in my mouth I have found my solution! Carrots! It is funny but just the constant munching the carrot down seems to be enough. I ate a whole bag this past weekend when I was really stressing.

I hope that you can find a way to find some peace in your life while going through this. It sounds like you are trying to find some solutions for dealing with all of it and I hope you know you can vent and find support here! Good luck!

Jen

 

[raidermatt]

I've had the same problem (eating when stressed). Problem is, the eating just increases the stress because I know I shouldn't be...

Excercise seems to help a lot. Its reduces stress while burning calories instead of consuming them, and if done regularly, it improves our overall health, which reduces stress in the first place.

Just a suggestion.... Good luck!

 

[Harambe]

Once again, thanks. I know I have a great support system here! And yes, I think if I could get out for a walk, it would help, rather than munching!

I do have a bag of carrots in the fridge! I'll pull them out next time instead of the chips!

 

[becka]

I am sorry that you have so much on your plate. Unfortunately I will not be much help when it comes to helping others avoid stress eating since I myself am a master at it.

In fact tonight I was so stressed and frustrated with DS that I just ended up skipping dinner and then attacking the leftover stuffing and a small bag of Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies after he went to bed.

 

[nativetxn]

Oh sweetie, do I know how you are feeling.

I remember being surprised that I wasn't shoving food in my mouth when my mother was so near death. Any other time I would have been eating every potato chip, pretzel and cookie I could get my hands on. I didn't do that this time, though. The only thing different is that I'm in ketosis, that's the only explanation I can think of, I'm certainly not a strong person. I've always been a "stress eater".

I hope your father is painfree soon. Sorry that you are being so overwhelmed these days.

Try to keep some legal snacks nearby. How about some sugar free popsicles? I love those

 

[Harambe]

Thanks Katholyn - I feel bad complaining since other folks, such as yourself, are going thru far worse things!

I have slapped myself around and will try to get thru the next few weeks with positive thoughts.

When I went downstairs this morning to walk his dog - my dad was up, making himself a pot of coffee! That is big doings! I'm sure he will be self-sufficient soon enough!

Now Becka - that little cherub in the picture could not possibly cause you to stress eat!!!! Such the cutie!

 

[TigH]

Just wanted to send you a heap of pixie dust to help you through this stressful time!

Try deep breathing. Try some stretching. Try anything but the food and wine! You can save that for special occassions. Once you make it ONE DAY "cheat free" you'll feel great and know that it's possible to do it again and again!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You've done great with your healthy lifestyle changes. This is just a little bump in the road, but don't let it bump you into a ditch! You can make it! Give yourself a little adjustment period but know that you will be back on track soon!

Hang in there! I know you can do it!