by Nadia Sinclair

In the face of escalating stress, many of us often resort to harmful coping mechanisms: overeating being a prominent one. But, it’s time to flip the narrative and reclaim control over our health. Let’s delve into how one can alter this commonplace unhealthy practice.

Reflecting on my life eight years ago, I remember being engulfed by immense stress. Stepping into the shoes of a caregiver for my dementia-stricken mother, alongside a taxing professional life, I unknowingly slipped into the loop of overeating. It began as an escape, an evening ritual comprising of indulgent servings of wine and Doritos. The justification was simple – these self-proclaimed ‘treats’ were essential for managing stress. However, buried under the arduous reality, my health was spiraling downward.

Feeling incapable of altering the somber reality invoked a bleak sense of powerlessness. Amid this tumultuous time, a realization dawned upon me: my health was the one facet I could regain control over. A conscious effort to change dietary habits and incorporate exercise led to remarkable weight loss, and an enhanced emotional state marked by positivity.

Understanding Comfort Eating

Retreating to comfort eating during stressful situations is common, but why do we succumb to it? Stress interferes with optimum brain functioning, impairing our prefrontal cortex, responsible for conscious decisions. The inability to consciously control our food intake diminishes our willpower, normalizing over-consumption.

Often, emotional eating is triggered by fond childhood memories linked to certain foods. According to nutritional expert Rick Hay, we find solace in nostalgic food items like ice cream or chocolate which might help to boost serotonin—our body’s ‘feel good’ hormone.

Breaking the Cycle of Comfort Eating

Take charge by realizing that comfort eating is a choice, not a given. There are healthier coping mechanisms. Exercise often acts as a stress buster but remember to keep burnout at bay. Instead of opting for high-intensity workouts, lighter activities like swimming, Pilates, a leisurely stroll, or yoga could prove better. Embrace ‘moving meditation,’ like running, to free your mind and focus on rhythmic movement.

Exercise for Emotional Wellbeing

Don’t underestimate the mental boost provided by exercise. Regular cardiovascular activities, including running, have proved therapeutic in managing mild to moderate depression, outperforming antidepressants on many occasions. Regular exercise can decrease anxiety and enhance mood. A physically active lifestyle promotes emotional health, boosts confidence, lowers depression risk, and offers a refreshing outdoor experience.

Switching from a sedentary routine to at least thrice-weekly cardiovascular exercise can slash your depression risk by 20 per cent.

Foods That Aid Stress-Management

Nutrition expert Rick Hay encourages the consumption of nutrient-rich foods like berries or green smoothies. Foods rich in magnesium like leafy greens and those with a high Vitamin B content like nuts and seeds positively affect mood. Chocolate – particularly organic, dark variants – can also serve as mood lifters within a moderation limit.

Navigating Through Stressful Situations

If weight loss is your goal, unraveling and resolving the primary stressors is key, suggests Uxshely Chotai. Managing stress more effectively plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Though often batted away as unchangeable, my stressful situations were manageable: I organized additional caregivers for my mother, and exited a seemingly un-dismissible job.

So why exactly do we gravitate towards unhealthy foods during stress? “It’s simple,” says Uxshely Chotai. “Sugary foods trigger our brain’s reward centers, causing temporary pleasure. However, the energy crash is equally stark, leading to a low mood, potentially paving the way for anxiety and depression.”

Remember the power to change lies within you. Take control, start small, and gradually break the cycle of stress-induced overeating to live a healthier, happier life.

Comfort eating, stress management, mental health, exercise benefits, healthy lifestyle, weight loss, nutrition, health and wellbeing