This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
Published on July 13, 2019, a study revealed that stress eating can hinder weight loss efforts. According to experts, this cycle can be broken by identifying the underlying reasons for stress eating and developing alternative coping mechanisms.
Deborah Beck Busis, LCSW, director of Beck Diet Programs, a CBT approach to weight loss based in the Philadelphia area, emphasizes that eating never solves the problem that caused stress in the first place. Instead, it can create new problems, such as sabotaging weight loss efforts.
Busis suggests that individuals make lists of alternative activities to manage stress. For instance, if you need to release energy, consider going for a walk or doing a plank. If you need distraction, scroll through your phone and look at pictures of happy memories.
By deciding ahead of time what you will do instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks, you can break the stress eating cycle and maintain a healthy diet.
