Stress Eating Doesn't Help the Economy

Are the headlines about the crashing economy making you turn to food for comfort? Stress eating can take the edge off your worry – too bad the comfort doesn’t last. Stress eating doesn’t improve the situation, and it often makes you feel worse both physically and mentally.

In times of stress, healthy food choices will pay off in the long run. It is easier to stay in a better frame of mind when you feel good physically. Eating well will keep your mind sharp and improve your mood and resilience. Being aware of your eating habits will help you make good choices and protect you from reacting unconsciously with food.

Remember to eat: stay on track with three healthy meals a day and planned snacks as needed. Not only will they keep your energy up, they will tone down the impulse to eat when you are not hungry. Think of it as building a strong foundation.

When we eat too many “extras” –snack or dessert foods that have calories but not much nutritional value – it can keep us off balance. These types of foods often give us a rush of energy, but then we crash. Having our energy spike and plummet doesn’t do much for our state of mind.

Worry can have a paralyzing effect. Pair that with the sad fact that fast foods are cheap and ridiculously easy, and it’s no wonder we can talk ourselves into cutting a few corners. The worse things feel, the more important it is to keep taking the positive actions we can. Cooking can be therapeutic, and when we are willing to take the time, we can find great satisfaction from cooking inexpensive foods like beans and rice from scratch.

Do the things that help you manage stress. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and remember to breathe. When we are stressed we can unconsciously hold our breath, which over time makes us feel even more stressed.  The simple act of breathing helps us relax. If you are having trouble sleeping, exercise and breath can help.

Take some direction from Zen meditation practice. We are often more afraid of what we think might happen than of what is actually happening right in this moment. Plan ahead and be prepared, then let it go. Don’t allow your mind to spin out as you consider all the things that could go wrong. Tell your thoughts “STOP”, talk to a friend, or write in a journal. As much as you can, separate out what is actually happening from what is just in your mind.

Nutrition supplements can be helpful. EPA and DHA, the active forms of omega-3 fats found in fish, have had promising results in trials to treat mild depression. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to depression, as have the B vitamins. Magnesium plays a role in irritability. Consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains extra B-vitamins and the full recommendation of magnesium. 1,000 milligrams of EPA and DHA (combined) and 1,000 IU of vitamin D are considered standard doses. It is wise to discuss supplements with your healthcare provider.

And finally, be proactive. Do the things you can: it makes you feel more in control. You may not be able to change the economy, but you can take small, active steps that make a difference – whether it is for yourself, your family or the community.

Eating well doesn’t change bad times, but it does make it easier to get through them. It seems to me that it is even more important to be at our best in difficult times than it is when times are good. As I watch and wait, wondering what is next, it feels easier to do with an alert and open mind and body.

In these times, which are devastating for some and worrisome for others, keep your own habits in good tune so you can see and respond to the opportunities that do arise. And let’s hope that it gets better soon.

Kathy Nichols is the Healthy Habits Coach. Kathy blends her background as a registered dietitian with life coaching to help you create healthy and sustainable habits. Contact Kathy at 707 431-7524, Kathy@HealthyHabitsCoach.com or www.HealthyHabitsCoach.com. Blog: www.HealthyHabitsCoach.wordpress.com