5 Ways To Avoid Stress Eating During The Holidays

This time of year is filled with so much to do – thinking of gifts, shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, going to parties, being with friends and family and lots of events that involve eating of course!

This time of year really brings up a lot of stress for people. I remember for years when I was going into the holiday season, stress would creep on me so much and cause me to OVEREAT – really feeling like that was my only solution to deal with my feelings.

I know many of your feel the same!

So, why is that?

• Is it because there seems to be countless things to do?
• Is it because there are numerous parties to attend where food is heavily involved and that creates stress?
• Is it the thought of being around family members with old tucked away issues that seem to resurface?
• Is it the fact that it is the end of the year and you know that a new one is starting soon?

Regardless of what is causing you stress this holiday season I want to encourage you to not run away from the underlying issues through overeating.

Like I spoke about in last week’s email learning how to be with your food through being mindful eating is one way to not overeat. Yet, I completely acknowledge that this is MUCH easier said that done.

The reason is that when we are so used to having food be the thing that we turn to when we are stressed out….

Food is no longer just food – food has transformed into something else – A SELF-HARMING COPING MECHANISM.

What I mean by this is that truth be told, food is not meant to serve the purpose to soothe our stress.

This is especially true for anyone who feels guilt after they stress eat and then as a result feel bad about themselves and their bodies.

This right here is a vicious cycle that I deem as SELF-HARMING. A cycle I want you to no longer walk inside of this holiday season and especially not in this new year.

So lets start breaking these patterns today.

Here are my top 5 approaches tips of how to stop stress eating today:

1.  JOURNAL! JOURNAL! JOURNAL! –I have talked about this before and I will talk about it again! Having a journal is such a beneficial tool to help connect with and release some of what is REALLY going on inside of you that is TRULY causing you to stress. The more you can tune within and start to understand yourself and your emotions and what triggers you, the easier it will be to put down the bag of chips!
2. DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated. Often times when you are dehydrated your body can mistaken this for being hungry and in turn be the opening reason as to why you begin to overeat.
3. MAKE SURE YOU ARE EATING ENOUGH PROTEIN DURING THE DAY!   Something that I never noticed when I used to stress eat a lot was that my body was actually hungry because I not only didn’t eat enough during the day, but I most certainly did not eat enough protein. Protein is such a vital part of our daily nutrition and really helps our bodies feel satisfied. By ensuring that your body has enough protein each day you are taking off one potential reason why you feel the need to overeat.
4. SELF-CARE: MEDITATE/TAKE A BATH/DO YOGA – WHILE BREATHING  -I actually just gave you two extra tips in this one! Do something as a form of self-care that incorporates your body. By checking in with your body and your breathe you can lower your stress level and in turn not find yourself standing in front of the fridge.
5. GET ADEQUATE AMOUNTS OF SLEEP  -I know everyone says this but getting enough sleep really helps your body feel rejuvenated and balanced. When we don’t get enough sleep our body can have more cravings than usual, as it is tired and yearning for energy. Where do you think it wants to find this energy, if it is not from sleep? You got it! Food! So lack of sleep mixed up with stress from the holidays is a recipe for stress eating! Go to bed early tonight!

Hope this helps you combat the need to overeat. Remember food is not meant to numb our emotions and be a way to deal with your life.

This is your year to put down the food and not overeat! Just stay mindful J

Paula Galli, Hons. BSc. Psych, CNP, RNCP, ROHP
Motivational Coach, Nutritional Counsellor & Self-Esteem Expert

 

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Don’t Let Stress Eating Ruin Your Holidays This Year!

Want to make sure that you step into this holiday season not overeating?

Then grab your FREE COACHING SESSION with me to help you deal with just this today!

Just follow these easy steps below….

1.Go to my website at www.paulagalli.com and on the right hand side of the screen click on the orange button that says book now.

2. Choose a date and time that fits for you.

3. DON’T WAIT! BOOK YOUR FREE SESSION NOW!

DON’T ENTER ANOTHER HOLIDAY SEASON WHERE YOU STRESS-EAT IT AWAY?

PS. WANT A PERFECT XMAS GIFT FOR YOURSELF OR A FRIEND?

Grab a copy of my book: Weighing Love –