Stress Eating Tips? (Read 99 times)

I'm a recent college graduate who is still transitioning into a full 40 hr workweek. I've noticed that, due to my schedule changes and relative inexperience at my new job, I've got a lot of stress.

I've been trying to keep up with my running and fitness goals, but I usually turn to eating when I get stressed. I've noticed that this has had an effect on my running capabilities, motivation to run, as well as my overall health. Which is also making me more stressed.

Any tips on dealing with stress eating and stress in general? I'm trying to focus on getting my job and finances in order to try and alleviate some of the causes of my stress, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for dealing with stress eating in particular.

I don't mean to sound flip, but one thing I STRONGLY suggest is to try NOT to stress about the stress eating, if ya get me.  I, too, tend to change my eating habits when stressed - either eating more sugary snacks when I'm tired or even missing meals when I'm super busy.  I've found that whenever I try to control the stress eating in addition to all the other things going on in my life, it backfires.  I've been through enough cycles to know that things eventually even out.  I know, it's super frustrating right now, and of course if you're totally missing out on nutritious foods, then just riding the wave may not be the smartest idea and you might want to enlist professional help.  Try to commit to a simple running schedule; don't heap more responsibilities onto yourself when you're already busy and spread thin.  Best of luck!

I started using MyFitnessPal and found if I keep it light up to dinner, I don't really have to worry about dinner.

For me that is spinach smoothie in the morning (550 calories) after my run, spinach and apple salad (250 ish) for lunch that is really filling, some kind of snack in the afternoon.

If I don't run I substitute something light (or nothing) for breakfast.  Running has made a good difference in my stress too.

Keep up the excercise nothing is better for stress reduction.

I cant claim to have the stress eating this figured out but i can say never let what you just ate/drank keep you from running.  If its easy pace run youll be fine.  If  not slow down.  Workouts are a little different for me.