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Stop Stress Eating
Whether it's world events or the post-holiday credit card crunch that has you stressed out, stress eating can lead to unwanted pounds that increase your risk for heart disease and cancer. The American Psychological Association offers these tips for how to get back on track after a stressful event by avoiding stress eating:
- Establish or reestablish routines such as eating meals at regular times and following an exercise program.
- Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience ongoing difficulties with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Be thoughtful about what you're putting into your mouth. When you are under stress, it's easy to munch endlessly on salty foods or sweet snacks. Make sure you're hungry, and choose fruits and vegetables instead of junk.
- Exercise may improve mental health by helping the brain cope better with stress. When the urge to eat because of stress becomes uncontrollable, take a walk or go swimming instead.
Sources: American Psychological Association, www.apa.org.
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Celebrate Healthy Weight Week
By the time the third week in January rolls around, most people have abandoned their intentions to exercise regularly and eat more nutritiously. That's why the week of January 20 through 26 has been designated as Healthy Weight Week by the Healthy Weight Network. Forget dieting and bingeing - instead, says the Healthy Weight Network, develop a plan for a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime.
How can you celebrate Healthy Weight Week in your own life? Try these ideas:
- Do the math. Figure out a healthy weight range for your height and weight. Try Lifeclinic's easy ideal weight calculator at http://www.lifeclinic.com/calculators/weight.asp.
- Enjoy living actively. Instead of exercising because your doctor says so or specifically to burn calories, exercise because it feels good to move. Spend time with family, friends and nature while you are active. This week, meet a friend for a hike in the woods, or seek out a new bike path to explore on your own.
- Taste your food fully. Instead of wolfing down your dinner on a paper plate over the sink, savor and enjoy the texture and flavor of your food. Make meals a treat by using fine dishes, savoring each bite slowly and including plenty of foods you enjoy. Avoid doing other activities, such as watching television, while eating.
- Look for learning opportunities. Many community centers, gyms or recreational centers sponsor health fairs during January. Attend a health fair - in addition to free giveaways, they often offer free cholesterol, blood pressure, weight screenings or body fat analysis or therapeutic massages. It's a valuable way to learn more about your health for little or no cost but your time.
Sources: Healthy Weight Network, www.healthyweightnetwork.com. Top |
