Stress Eating...My Downfall!

Oh…the downfall of stress eating!  Many people can relate to reaching for food when the stress starts to rise.  That is certainly a weak spot for me., and I had some weak moments this week.  Thursday was the icing on the cake.  As the day came to an end, and I was preparing to go home, images of sweets ran through my head.  I needed some “comfort” food and, for me, that usually means baked goods.  So, on my way home, I stopped by a local bakery to treat my stress.

I had many options at this delectable little bakery.  Some with very high calories, and some a little lower…but let’s face it – not many low-calorie, healthy options at a bakery.  I did settle for a chocolate chip, scone-like dessert over a sinfully looking chocolate cupcake piled with what looked like honey-glazed walnuts (small victory with that choice). 

Then when I got home, still feeling the stress, it occurred to me that this really isn’t the best way to deal with my stress.  It’s a temporary fix if it’s a fix at all.  That pause was enough to help me reprogram my old habits.  I put the tasty treat on the counter, made some hot tea, and headed to my comfy chair in the corner of my apartment.  There I sat in silence drinking my tea.  I gave myself a timeout, and it was just what I needed!

Now, I wish I could say that I didn’t eat my treat, but I couldn’t let it go to waste after all!  So rather than having it as a temporary stress relief, I had it as dessert to celebrate finding an alternative to treating my stress.  Now, if only next time I can have the powerful reframing moment BEFORE I make my purchase…

By the way, before I pat myself on the back too much, let me share my birthday treat I split with a coworker on Friday…hey, I never said I was a saint.  : )

Waffle topped with whipped cream, mixed berries and gelato
with a cappuccino on the side.  Y-U-M!

 Rethinking Stress

Tough day at work.

Your boss was a jerk.

Don’t let that get in your way.

Things didn’t go right.

You were hoping they might.

Don’t throw it all away.

You received some bad news.

You feel like you’ll lose.

Don’t let yourself be swayed.

You want to reach for some cake.

That solution’s a fake.

Provide temporary relief it may.

Just pause for a minute.

If you do, you can win it.

You know what you need to say.

“I know I am strong.

The stress won’t last long.

Tomorrow will be a great day!”