Why We Treat Our Tummies Like Emotional Landfills (And What to Do Instead)
Ah, stress eating: the pastime as American as apple pie, but usually involving more than just one slice. Why do we overeat when stressed? It could be because screaming into a pillow doesn’t have the same satisfying crunch as a bag of chips. Or perhaps your feelings have mistaken your stomach for a storage unit. Whatever the case, many of us have turned the simple munching into our go-to coping mechanism. I am one of those people who have struggled immensely with this. People joke, “How does Kate fit two Double-Doubles in her body? Where does it all go?” Yeah, I don’t know the answer to that! I want to help you all with this, too! Let’s unpack why we do it and what magical, healthier alternatives await us!
The Lowdown on Chow-Downs
Why, oh why, do we treat our bellies like a bottomless pit of despair when we’re down? The science is mouth-watering. When stressed, our bodies pump out cortisol, a hormone that might as well be nicknamed “Feed Me Seymour.” It boosts our appetite, especially for sweet, salty, and fatty “comfort” foods. They temporarily increase serotonin levels – that feel-good brain chemical – tricking us into feeling like we’ve hugged a puppy when we’ve just hugged a family-sized bag of chips.
While devouring a pint of ice cream might feel like solving your problems, your waistline and well-being beg to differ. Overeating can lead to all sorts of fun things, like weight gain, guilt, and even more stress. It’s a culinary cycle of doom!
Snack Smart, Not Hard
Here’s the crunchy part: What can we do instead of raiding the fridge whenever life throws a wrench in our plans? Fear not, for I bring you more satisfying alternatives than discovering an extra fry at the bottom of the bag!
1. Move it to Lose it
Instead of reaching for candy, reach for your running shoes! Exercise releases endorphins. Those are our mighty natural mood lifters that curb cravings and lift your spirits. Whether it’s a brisk walk or an impromptu dance party in your living room, moving your body is like giving your stress wings and letting it fly away. I didn’t believe this exercise stuff at first. My fellow nurses would go to the gym before working their twelve-hour shift and talk about it when they arrived to work. I was like “Yeah, I went to the gym once. It was okay.” But now I go every day and read on the treadmill. It is awesome.
2. Laugh Like Your Life Depends On It
Okay, you’ve heard it before! Laughter is the best medicine! It reduces stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. Especially working as a hospice and psych nurse, I love making people laugh and using my humor to help them. Let’s lighten the mood, right!? So, watch a funny movie, call that hilarious friend who should be a stand-up comedian, or maybe laugh at your own jokes (we won’t judge).
3. Get Artsy
Channel your inner Picasso or Van Gogh and get creative (please don’t cut your ear off and send it to your lover, though). Immersing yourself in a project like painting, drawing, or even doodling can be incredibly therapeutic and calming. It’s like sending your mind on a vacation without the pesky travel fees. I love painting my walls at home. A fresh coat does so much for the soul!
4. Journal Your Journeys
Writing down what’s bugging you can help clear your mind and lead to some eureka moments. Spill your guts into your diary instead of bottling everything up until you pop like a shaken soda. It’s cheaper than therapy!
5. Practice Mindful Munching
If you’re going to snack, do it mindfully. This means tasting your food, enjoying each bite, and listening when your body says, “Thank you, I’m full now.” It’s like being the Zen master of snacking.
Wrap It Up, I’ll Take It
So there you have it. While stress eating can be as tempting as snoozing your alarm in the morning, there are plenty of healthier ways to deal with our emotions. By swapping out the snack attacks for healthier hacks, you can feel better and fit into those jeans you’ve been giving the side-eye for the past year. With all these great coping strategies, we might be stress-eating less and laughing a lot more! See this link from Happy Happy Vegan to learn more about tips to stop unhealthy food cravings (It’s helpful even if you’re not a happy, happy vegan).
