Stress Eating? Friends and Family May Hold the Key to Curbing the Urge

Stress eating may offer a transient pick-me-up, but its long-term effects are insidious, say experts.
Stress Eating? Friends and Family May Hold the Key to Curbing the Urge
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In a world where stress runs rampant, many people turn to food as a source of comfort. Known as stress eating, this behavior is often driven by emotions rather than genuine physical hunger, and when it becomes habitual, your health can take a hit.

Under stress, people tend to reach for foods such as ice cream, chips, or pizza, which are often high in calories, sugars, and fats. A diet rich in such comfort foods can increase the risk of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Over time, turning to food for comfort when stressed can result in feelings of guilt and weight gain, exacerbating stress and creating a harmful stress-eating cycle.
Jennifer Sweenie
Jennifer Sweenie
Author
Jennifer Sweenie is a New York-based health reporter. She is a nutritional therapy practitioner and trained health-supportive chef focused on functional nutrition and the power of natural, whole foods. Jennifer serves on the board of directors for Slow Food NYC and is a former board member of the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation.