Are You Stress Eating?

I don't know about you, but when I'm stressed comfort foods start calling my name...(cough, cough, Krispie Kreme.)

A study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research suggests that chronic stress combined with the consumption of comfort food can influence the brain to continue craving those types of foods - creating a vicious cycle of hunger, overeating, and weight gain Stressed mice on a high-fat diet gained twice the weight compared to non-stressed mice on the same diet.

The research also discovered that the lateral habenula, an area of the brain responsible for switching off the brain's reward response, remained inactive in stressed mice, allowing the pleasure signals to remain active and encourage overeating. Additionally, stressed mice consumed three times more artificially sweetened water than non-stressed mice, highlighting the impact of stress on food preferences.

The easiest answer is to not stress. But let’s be real, a stress-free life is impossible. So If stressors are a part of life... what can we do to decrease stress eating?

To combat this, I recommend you opt for protein and fiber-rich options that provide long-term energy and keep you feeling full.

Slow down when you eat and focus on the tastes, smells, and textures so you can enjoy your food more as opposed to mindlessly eating.

Meal plan so you avoid grabbing unhealthy snacks.

If you're already trying this and feel like you're not seeing results, or you want to start but feel overwhelmed, click here to learn about my Path to Power Program. I'd love to help.