How to Cope Without Food

Do you reach for food in times of stress? This is an all too common coping mechanism 
that leads to bad habits and hinders weight loss. If you want to have a successful 
relationship with food and achieve your weight loss goals, it's vital you reshape the way 
you think about eating.
 

Food is meant to serve as fuel, not as a reward or as a distraction. Everyone feels 
stress. This is an unavoidable fact, and if eating is your go-to for dealing with it then you 
will be doomed to diet failure. Luckily, there are many alternatives you can try instead 
munching on that calorie laden snack when you start to feel anxious.
 

Regular Exercise

Exercise produces endorphins. When these chemicals are released, they interact with 
receptors in the brain that make you feel good and reduce pain. This has a tremendous 
stress reduction effect. Getting in the habit of taking a walk or doing a few crunches 
when you feel anxious can make a world of difference along your weight loss journey.
 

Meditation

When you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and spend a few quiet 
moments meditating. If you are at home, you might want to try a guided meditation 
video, but meditation is something you can do anywhere. If you are out in public, simply 
take a few deep breaths and focus on your breathing until you feel your body begin to 
calm.
 

Get a Hobby 

Instead of using your hands for eating, busy your hands with a hobby. You can try 
crocheting, woodworking, folding origami, playing guitar, solving crossword puzzles, or 
maybe even buying a Rubik's Cube. Anything that can keep your hands busy and your 
mind off your problems can prevent you from overeating.
 

Massage

Instead of doing something detrimental to your body by overeating when you feel 
stressed, try treating your body with kindness. Treat yourself to a calming massage. 
Massage relaxes the body, eases pain, and helps to take your mind off daily pressures. 
Focusing on something positive, like a massage, can help to reset your thinking and 
allow you to better cope with life's stressors.
 

It is important that you act mindfully when you take any action that impacts your body 
and your health. By dealing with stress in a positive way, you will be one step closer to 
achieving your weight loss goals.

