Stress And Overeating

Posted on September 29th, 2007 by admin

How Overeating Creates More Stress in the Long Run

Unlike depression, where the ability to eat is dissipated, stress and overeating go hand in hand. You know those days when nothing seems to go exactly as you had planned so you probably sit down and begin snacking. You’re unaware that you have just finished an entire bag of chips.

Comfort food, while necessary, can become too much of a good thing. You need to have that piece of chocolate cake once in a while. When you are stressed out it seems that nothing will satisfy the hunger, thus the eating binge continues.

Here’s an example. Let’s assume you are working at your computer and you are a bit stressed out because the deadline is approaching. You may think that a bar of chocolate will keep you going, but the true intent is to somehow relieve the stress that is building up. While the sugar high you may experience for a short amount of time has elapsed, the stress increases and you need something more substantive. Perhaps you call the local deli and order a deluxe burger and a chocolate milkshake.

While you may be relieving your stress, you are adding pounds to your body that in the end will cause more stress because of the weight you have gained. Moreover, eating more and exercising less will increase your risk for heart disease or stroke and in the end the stress remains. Now you have two problems to deal with.

The only way to alleviate stress is through regular exercise and avoid overeating. A 20-minute walk can do wonders for your health and your mind. The body will release endorphins which will give you that natural high and you will not only feel good but will not look to food to solve a problem.

Food is not meant to be the cure for a stress-related symptom. You can tell this by the experience you have when overeating. Are you enjoying the food? Does it really make you feel good? Does it take away the stress? The answer is probably not.

Stress is a fact of life, but combined with food you have double trouble. When you are stressed, instead of eating, take a long walk, meditate or engage in a workout that will clear your mind and prevent you from overeating.