The impact of stress on our eating habits from "summary" of Real Food by Nina Planck
In times of stress, we often turn to food for comfort. Our emotions can have a significant impact on what and how we eat. When we are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, we may reach for sugary snacks or unhealthy comfort foods to make ourselves feel better. This can lead to emotional eating, where we use food as a way to cope with our feelings rather than nourishing our bodies. Stress can also affect our eating habits in more subtle ways. When we are under pressure, we may not take the time to prepare healthy meals and instead opt for convenience foods that are quick and easy to eat. This can result in a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients and can have negative effects on our overall health and well-being. Furthermore, stress can disrupt our normal eating patterns and lead to irregular meal times. This can throw off our body's natural hunger cues and make it difficult to know when we are actually hungry or full. As a result, we may end up overeating or undereating, both of which can have negative consequences for our health.- It is important to be mindful of our emotions and how they influence our food choices. By being aware of our triggers for emotional eating, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms and find alternative ways to deal with stress. Additionally, making an effort to prioritize nutritious foods and regular mealtimes can help to support our overall well-being and ensure that we are properly fueling our bodies.
