Your Stress Levels and Eating

The classic perception of a person under stress, is one that develops stomach ulcers, and ends up drinking milk and eating bland foods. But stress can actually work on the psychological health of a person, to the extent that they develop an eating disorder.

I'd Kill for a Cookie: A Simple Six-Week Plan to Conquer Stress Eating This step-by-step program will help stress-eaters discover a variety of ways to overcome stress eating and increase energy. Click here to learn more.

Perhaps the most common result is overeating and binge eating, because food is always perceived as a "comfort". When people are full, their stomach is replete, and there is a certain sense of well-being. Unfortunately, this normal response is often absent or blunted in people under stress, and as a result, they binge on often inappropriate, high fat foods. When it doesn't produce the effect they want, they eat more, become depressed or angry, and eat more, starting a cycle that sometimes can't be broken without counseling.

People under stress can develop other eating problems as well. They may become obsessed with weight loss, because it is an issue of control that they can manage, where the stress in their life is something they are unable to cope with. Again, it comes down to an issue of self-image. If they see themselves as overweight, they may develop behaviors such as chewing their food and then spitting it out.

Anyone displaying signs of an eating disorder, whatever the origins, needs the support of those around them, and counseling with their doctor or a specialist to help them resolve the issues behind their problems.