Eating During Stressful Times

It has been a long time since my last blog entry. Life has been downright hectic but not necessarily in a bad way. However, I have had little time to collect my thoughts and when I get out of my routine sometimes I get a little stressed. I then have a tendency to eat on the run and grab things that I would not normally choose. Even a registered dietitian can have eating challenges! With less time on my hands……it can be hard to stay with my exercise routine also. Does this sound familiar? Here are a few tips that help me cope with a busy lifestyle to do the best job that I can to live a healthy (not perfect) life:

1. Plan Ahead: Purchase pantry staples and buy and few easy, healthy meal ideas that can be thrown together in a pinch. Some of my favorites include bean tacos, omelets, pasta with sauce in the jar, and veggie burgers. We also throw in a few other creative ideas each week. If you go out to eat, choose ahead of time what you will get and how much is a healthy portion that you strive for.

1. Build in Physical Activity: Even while traveling and visiting friends, I made it a priority to be active even when I could not go to the gym. I walked at the botanical gardens and a walking trail at the hotel where I was staying. Take the break in your routine to add a little variety in your exercise program so when you get home, you are excited to get back on your program once you get home. Also get started on your usual as soon as possible so it becomes a habit once again.

1. Get Your Mind Right: As you have heard many times, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You have been now selected to be one of the tough ones so switch that negative thinking into a positive twist. Instead of picking up a snack to comfort yourself or give you a burst of energy, begin keeping a list of other “self nurturing activities” that will nourish you instead of always grabbing food. Some suggestions are: take a nap, light a few candles, get a bouquet, listen to some wonderful music, call a friend or write in a journal. You may know of many other ideas that work best for you. Use them. If you are traveling or time is limited take small breaks and do things that make your joyful. That short needed break will help you get to the next step.

Make busy times worthwhile and keep your stress related eating in check with some of these ideas. Take time to relax and take care of yourself.