How Stress Leads to Cravings

health

How Stress Leads to Cravings

By Alpro Pharmacy

March 1, 2024

It is 10 pm. You get into your car and start your journey back home. You have lost track of how many similar days and nights you have had to juggle to meet the different deadlines. You are tired and hungry. There aren’t many eateries open besides fast food and convenience stores. You think to yourself, “Oh well! I’ll grab some pizza, chips, chocolate cake and that carbonated drink to comfort myself then!”

Is it normal to have intense cravings when one is stressed?

Yes! Studies have shown when our body is stressed, it releases a stress hormone called cortisol, which in turn triggers another ‘fight or flight’ hormone, adrenaline. This is essential for the body to remain highly alert and functional. You yearn for high-calorie comfort food. After eating them, you get such an immediate sense of pleasure, reward and comfort due to their quick energy boost. Over time, your brain craves more of these high-calorie foods and eating, soon leading to excess weight gain.

How to manage stressed brains and weight gain?

Managing stress and stress eating can be very challenging. I have listed a few pointers below to suggest how to break out from the vicious cycle and stick to a workable, healthier routine.

1. Identify your triggers:

What situations add to your stress? Is it avoidable? If not, take baby steps toward improvements or changes to help yourself. Realign your expectations to issues that are uncontrollable and unavoidable.

2. Practice mindful eating:

Clear out the high-sugar and high-calorie foods in your kitchen and replace them with healthier snacks, such as walnuts. Ensure you eat on time and get balanced nutrition, including proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid starving yourself, as it will lead to overeating later.

3. Exercise regularly

Pick up a physical activity is the best way to relieve stress and give your mood an energy boost. Sweat it out~

4. Adequate sleep:

A good night’s sleep prepares your body to better face the next day’s activities. Most adults should aim for 7- 9 hours of sleep each night.

5. Seek professional help:

Reach out to a healthcare professional, therapist, or counsellor for professional guidance and strategies on handling your stress and stress eating.

Remember that breaking the habit cycle will take time, effort, and discipline. Look at the small steps of improvement you make each day. Be patient with yourself. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor or healthcare professionals. Managing your stress will help you manage your weight.