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Manage Stress, Lose Weight


Up against the wall with a work deadline? Are the kids driving you crazy? Did Mr. Right wind up being Mr. Wrong?

For many people, stressful situations can cause visions of potato chips and candy bars to dance in their heads. Turning to food can be an almost instinctive "comforting mechanism" for the things that cause us discomfort. But more times than not, any temporary feelings of relief that the fatty foods provide are overweighed by the more permanent feelings of guilt and disappointment that follow.

But cheer up! There are healthy ways of managing your stress that allow you to rise above your emotions without falling back on negative eating habits. One good place to start is by making a list of self-nurturing "indulgences" that you enjoy. Not only will they distract you from food-focused activities, they'll also help you unwind and get back in control.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Take a brisk walk or pop in a Walk Your Way video
Take a 15-minute catnap
Play with your children
Play with your pet
Call a friend
Listen to a soothing CD
Read a magazine article
Say a prayer or affirmation
Paint your nails


Whatever activities you place on your list, make sure that they're fun, relaxing and easy to fit into your day. Then the next time a stressful situation arises, you can automatically reach for your list. Not the nearest bag of cookies.

great tips in here thanks for posting this Editor!

Very good article! Can we add some of our own ideas?

Bubble bath
Lighting a scented candle
Curling up with a good book and/or a cup of tea
Snuggle up with your mate and watch a "chick flick" (DH actually likes these more than I do!)

Do jigsaw puzzles
Sudoku( is one Im learning)
Hallmark movies