How to Stop Stress Eating and Why You Do It

Eating is a coping mechanism for many people during times of stress. Stress eating is so common because it seems to work. Eating foods that are high in sugar and refined flour has an immediate calming effect, but comes with long-term consequences that can be hard to reverse. In this video, I share what happens inside of you when you stress eat and practical ways that I have found to control it.

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Disclaimer: Dr. Becky Gillaspy, DC received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1991. Her use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to herself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Gillaspy was a licensed chiropractor in Pennsylvania, but she no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Gillaspy and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Dr Becky Fitness LLC and Dr. Rebecca Gillaspy, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any conclusions drawn, services or product you obtain through this video or site.

[reneejones]

In the summer of 2018, you were the calm, knowledgeable, encouraging voice who guided me to health. And now you’re helping me keep what we earned. Thank you!❤️

[yy]

All cravings pass is the best phrase ive heard regarding to this subject

[Fergyshow]

You are such a voice of reason during this stressful time. Thank you for keeping us centered and focused on our health.

[drmorgannolte]

Thanks for the great video, Dr. Becky! I love saying that "sugar begets sugar" and the more you have it the more you will want. I love your tips. I also like reminding people to, "Keep your eye on your why." I love your term of stoppers! Very practical. A couple other tips I encourage people to do is to: Assess your previous meal...was it well structured with enough fat, fiber, and protein to keep you full and satisfied until the next meal? Assess your hydration...many times, like you said, drinking something can take the edge of any hunger or craving. I also like to talk ask myself 3 questions when I want to stress eat: #1: "What's my trigger thought here?" For me it's often after I get my young son down to sleep and want some "me time." Then I ask: "What's the underlying need or emotion that needs addressed?" Usually that is just needing to de-stress and relax. Lastly, I ask "How can I address this emotion without food?" Often just taking a hot shower, brushing my teeth, getting a sparkling water, and watching some Netflix to unwind does the trick just fine.

[qzgiuhx]

Thank you for the calm and logical way you explain things. I also find that keeping sugars and other bad stuff out of the house is the best stopper. Also that drinking flavoured teas are better than having multiple cups of coffee with added milk, sugar substitutes etc. Please keep posting videos to see us through this tought time. Stay hopeful and safe!

[robertbeacham]

I’ll admit this, I eat the wrong foods when I’m bored, furious and feeling down . Also if it’s too cold 🥶 outside !!
This woman’s voice is so beautiful and Heavenly !!

[fixeroftheinternet]

I had significant change at work that completely de-stressed my life. Since then I have managed to follow Dr. Becky's advice and I am shedding weight. I have lost 30 pounds already but more importantly I continue to lose weight steadily every week just by completely cutring carbs and intermittent fasting. Dr Becky is out on her own with the best dietary advice IMHO

[debbielynn]

Brush your teeth after eating. Very effective. Do some physical exercises when craving. I promise it'll knock it out and has huge benefits! Thanks Dr. Becky.

[estig.]

Dr. Becky!!
Excellent video!
I have gone on a weight loss journey for the past almost a year! losing almost 20kg!!!! and reaching my goal, but now during quarntine and lockdown i have been struggling. I used to fast walk three times a week for 30 minutes!!now i fall back. I haven't gained to much but it has been difficult!!! you really inspire me!!! please continue to do so we/i neef it! Thanks soooo much❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[nataliyafigurna]

thank you, this video is so helpful for me who is coping with emotional eating with its ups and downs since I AM 14 YO, I AM NOW 37, I AM NOT OVERWHEIGHT, AND EAT HEALTHY FOODS MOSTLY, BUT NOW I am really confused and your channel is helping.

[carolyngethings]

Just a few helpful tips, some positivity and encouragement and I've got my focus back! I do not want to lose ground! My lockdown mantra. Thank you Dr Becky

[summerspangle]

Thank you so much dr Becky! I am really working on my relationship with food esp since i am in med school right now. Stress eating leads me to carb crashes, fatigue and brain fog. Hopefully, i get to where u are with food.

[kerridillon]

Thank you for your calm serene manner & helpful tips!

[hidden_fear]

The gum thing is what i did all the time!! It isnt hunger nor cravings for me. I feel like garbage, I'm stressed, my anxiety spikes and my depression hits harder especially with everything in my life. Also trauma and EDs. When i fought my ED and was loosing weight i chewed gum. Almost constantly. It kept me distracted, it is the stimulation. I eat because it is the only thing that makes me happy... Idk what else to do emotionally when I'm always tired or depressed. What is worst is it isn't junk food either. It is just food. I just eat. Meat, salad, yea sometimes junk but not always, fruit veggies. I am in a deficit but my body refuses to loose. It feels hopeless.. it really does. Only 2 things worked before. It gave me structure and control and i understand the benefits but it was also a lot. Imma go back to the gum, to my protein shakes also. Get myself back into those habits then continue.

[DingbatToast]

Great video and advice.
I cut bad carbs and sugar from my diet around a year ago. One of the side effects was I stopped craving sweet stuff when I was stressed.
It didn't stop me wanting to snack but I now have some nice cheese and nuts as snacks and it works for me. Also they fill me up so I can't keep eating them!
Good luck to anyone trying to change their lives for the better
It works!
Keep doing it until it is the new normal!!!

[janiceweaver]

I'm watching this video everyday. It's a great reminder to stay on track with really great tips.

[carolbenson]

I've noticed grabbing more to snack on during the pandemic due to being home more. Your video is going to be helpful to many! Best tip I think is keeping junk food out of the house. Thanks again one more time!!!😃👍

[DogDayFromPoppyPlaytime]

Stress eating is the best way to deal with stress

[TheCelestialhealer]

Thank you so much. I got 5 kg in the last 2 months and now I want to be fit and grounded more than ever.

[robertthomas]

So stressed out about getting sick. Gained 20lbs the last month. Getting back control!