How to Combat Stress Eating During COVID

Are you struggling with the “Quarantine 15?” You’re not alone. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a new level of stress and a new level of stress eating.

If this is happening to you, it’s not your fault. When your body feels stress, it releases cortisol, which has been proven to increase your appetite. At the same time, the reward center in your brain can be triggered, which makes you crave junk food.

This means that trying to stay fit during these times is incredibly difficult. Your own body and brain seem to be conspiring against you.

But that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do.

Start Diligently Counting Calories

It’s easier to mitigate the damage from cheat meals and snacks if you’re more aware of how often it’s happening.

A free calorie counting app can show you that having pizza for breakfast (no judgement here) doesn’t mean that your nutritional day is ruined. You can do some damage control with a healthy lunch and supper.

Body Contouring Procedures

It’s no secret that weight loss gets notably harder as you get older. So, if you’ve put on a bit of weight, a body contouring procedure like liposuction can transform your body and help you lose the unwanted weight.

A lot of people have changed their attitudes towards plastic surgery during the COVID crisis. In fact, about 50% of people surveyed said that they would consider it in the near future. That could include lipo or something like a rhinoplasty procedure.

Re-Think Jogging

You don’t have a spare bedroom or basement to convert into a home gym. That doesn’t mean you can’t work out.

Jogging remains one of the most COVID-friendly exercises you can do. If that sentence made you roll your eyes, try changing the way you think about jogging.

You’re not out there to train for a marathon. You’re out there to burn calories and get fresh air. If you combine a 30-minute jog with a great Podcast or audiobook, you might actually start looking forward to this brief me-time every day.

Keep Healthier Snacks in the House

The problem with junk food is that it is so easy. You need to make healthy food just as simple and accessible in your home. You also need to make it just as appetizing.

Fruit and veggies are good, but your brain knows the chips will probably taste more rewarding. Take your snack game to the next level with crunchy treats like guacamole and red bell peppers, or apple slices with peanut butter.

If we’re going to snack and stress eating, we can simply do it more responsibly. We can be more aware of when we’re doing it, and make an effort to reach for healthier options. We can also find new ways to sustainably lose the weight that we have put on.

Count your calories and count your steps. Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up for cheats. That will only make matters worse and add more stress.