Jakarta –
When stress strikes, many people seek escape by eating delicious food which is usually an unhealthy choice. To stop this habit, try the method suggested by this expert.
For many people, eating is not just an activity to refuel energy, but also a way to comfort themselves from the stress they are experiencing. This term is known as ‘stress eating’.
Quote Cooking Light (26/4/2022), psychologist Dr. Rebecca Leslie defines stress eating as a person’s response to negative emotional states. “They don’t eat consciously or with the aim of overcoming hunger, but eat based on emotions,” he said.
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Meanwhile, nutritionist Cara Harbstreet said stress eating often arises as a result of someone’s urge to make food feel comfortable. Unfortunately, this type of eating pattern is associated with less than optimal nutritional intake.
Quote Prevention (2/8/2022), there are ways to stop eating unhealthy due to stress that you can try. Here are the recommendations:
1. Drink a glass of water
It sounds like an old trick, but drinking a glass of water when you feel like eating when stressed can help you recognize whether your hunger is real or just emotional?
Moreover, many people do not drink enough water so they often mistake thirst for signs of uncontrolled hunger or stress.
2. Brew a glass of tea
 Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/margouillatphotos |
Psychologist Susan Albers, who is also the author of the book Eating Mindfully, says, try making tea from boiled cinnamon mixed with honey. “Then I have what I need to resist the urge to eat sweets when stressed,” he said.
He explained that cinnamon has been clinically proven to help control insulin levels. If you don’t like cinnamon, you can switch to chamomile tea which creates a relaxing effect. Suitable for consumption when you are stressed.
3. Peel the orange
There are unique ways related to food to relieve stress eating. Try peeling an orange as a mind relaxation technique. “Peeling an orange is a mini meditation moment. You have to stop whatever you’re doing to engage both hands,” says Albers.
Moreover, the fresh orange aroma can increase calm, thus preventing you from wanting to overeat. For optimal relaxation, peel the fruit slowly in a spiral pattern while taking a deep breath to inhale the aroma. Once you’re done peeling, eat the fruit one by one, taking a moment to savor each bite.
4. Make avocado toast
When you’re stressed and want to eat, try making healthy and delicious food yourself. Avocado toast aka avocado toast could be the best idea.
Preparing this menu is also relatively fast. It contains healthy fats, protein and fiber which can keep you full longer and provide optimal nutrition for the body. Combine it with whole wheat bread which can help increase the neurotransmitter serotonin, a hormone that triggers feelings of pleasure in the brain.
More details on the next page.
