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Stress and Overeating

13 Jun 2011 By: Diane Gottsman

My favorite fitness guru, James Olsen, offers some great tips for overcoming stress and overeating.  Here is what he has to say…

Stress and Overeating:

Your diet is going great, you are religiously hitting the gym and working out like never before. You have lost 3 pounds and can already see the difference.

And then comes Thursday. And you’re tired because you stayed up too late working on a project. And you are running late for the office. And you didn’t have time for breakfast. And you are looking at a case full of pastry to go with your latte. And your boss is mad, your husband is grouchy and everyone is getting on your nerves. Forget it – out comes the chocolate bar, ice cream sandwich and a few chips to wash it down.

Minutes later you shamefully sit in your own regret. The vicious cycle of stress, crave, overeat, and remorse isn’t new.

A few simple questions to ask yourself before you binge:

A. Will indulging in this temporary craving make me permanently happy?

B. How will I feel after I eat?

C. Is this behavior getting me closer or further away from my goal?

Answers: No, Bad, Further away

Now What?

Prepare for it: It’s going to happen, be ready. Go to the grocery store when you’re in a positive mind set and make a stress day package. Include healthy snacks, a candle, and something to make you laugh. Set it aside for the moment when you need it. It may be once a day, it may be more.

Breath: Learn to meditate. Take purposeful breaths, anywhere from 5-20 minutes per day.

Have a support person(s): Call a friend and tell them you want to vent, but put a time limit on it (10 minutes maximum).

Seek help from a professional: A reputable fitness instructor, a counselor or even a medical doctor are capable of understanding and assisting you on your quest.

Finding the root of the problem is half the battle, doing something about it will empower you to be a better, stronger you.

“Stress arises from our lack of acceptance of what is.” – Dan Millman

To check out more tips by James Olsen, go to his website at: James Olsen Fitness or contact him via email at fitstudio20@yahoo.com.

Best,

Signature

Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.