Stress Eating Help!

A.,

I joined a FREE online community called Sparkpeople.com it has really helped me with my anxiety!

Good Luck!
K.

I have 5 month old twins and a 2 almost 3 year old. I find taking everyone for a walk\run helps when the weather is nice enough. It help relax everyone. Plus if I buy fruit or vegis get it washed and easy to reach I find myself munching on that instead of junk.

Chewing Gum sometimes works for me. Keep your hands busy for 5 minutes and the impulse will go away. If you still have to snack keep raw veggies in small portion size so they are as easy to grab as the junk food. A bag of sugar snap peas are great. You find them in the fresh fruit/veggie area usually by the premixed salad bags.

Good luck

Hi A.,

Just know you're not in this "stress eating" alone. My kids are 10 & 7, so I'm past that stage of little ones needing you all the time and trying to get stuff done, but never feeling you have the time. I just want to reassure you that a lot of moms with young kids go through what you are going through. I know I did. The most important thing right now is being there for your kids. So your house doesn't look perfect. Oh well. You'll be happy you spent time with your little ones once they get to be older. Your time with them now is so precious. Do you have a regular afternoon nap time for your kids? Hopefully the 2 year old is still napping. That is when I had a little time to myself and it helped so much. I told my son in no uncertain terms, when he was 3 and my daughter was an infant, that he had to take a nap. Period. He got it, and when he was 4 years old he had quiet hour in his room every day. It saved the day. Just hang in there. In a few years you'll hardly remember how stressed you were and you'll love your children more and more with each passing year. They are so amazing. Regarding the eating, don't be too hard on yourself. So you're a little heavier than you want to be, when the kids are a bit older you can go to the gym and leave them in daycare for an hour. That helped me a lot. When they're a lot older, like mine, you'll have more time for yourself and the weight will probably fall off. I also had the problem of stress eating so I know how you feel and unfortunately I don't have wonderful advice about that. Just do your best and cut yourself a little slack. Also, talk to your husband and figure out the priorities in your household and dont' worry about the other things. Good luck. K.

ok--so you have 3 kids under 2. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!! The house is less important then your sanity. You want a real solution right?

I have been horridly sick for 2 years. I had brain surgery 2 years ago and am getting ready for another one in the next few weeks. I have multiple seizures every day. I do the dishes every day. Spent 15 minutes each morning picking up "stuff" (with 3 kids you might have to spend 30). The only big thing I do is the laundry.

I hired a teenager to come do the heavy stuff like vacuum sweep mop toilets tubs dust. Is is as good as a professional would do? No. Is it less for me to do? yes. Is is cheap enough for me to afford? yes. I pay her $15 for 2 hours. Bet you know one who would do a good enough job for 2 hours a week. If you don't-someone you know does. And I bet you have $15 or $20 a week you can scrap up to save your sanity.

Now every once in awhile I look for the things a teen would miss that a pro would do--like baseboards and light switches.

First of all you are not wonder woman and there are times in parenting you just have to say the house can wait!!! I swear that things are going to work themselves out sooner or later. I went through the same thing when my first, out of four, child was little. I started drinking bottled water. I would just sit for a bit and drink my water until I calmed down. I know it sounds crazy, but my cravings would stop after a couple minutes of drinking the water. First off most times people are craving food they actually need water and second, if you need to do something with your hands and mouth out of habit water is the way to go.

I tend to be the same way. There are a few things that help me. First I don't keep some of my favorite food in the house. I go out and get it for special occasions to eat on that day. Also, if I am not hungary I chew gum, if gum doesn't do the trick then non-sweetened dried fruit does. However, the biggest help hands down, is working out. If nothing else a half hour to an hour on the treadmill tends to release my stress. I do it while my husband watches my baby. It does cut down on my time with him, but I am much more pleasant overall. The upside is that instead of gaining weight from wanting to eat, all of this will help you lose it.

Hey A.. I'm constantly stressed, so I do different things. 1) DAnce! Put on some awesome music and rock out in your living room. Your kids will love it too. 2)Write in a journal. Grippe about anything and everything to your blank pages. It really helps put things into perspective and gets everything off your chest.

R.

Whenever you get really stressed out, you should pour yourself a big glass of water, instead of grabbing something from the fridge/cupboards. Have you ever tried yoga? There are tons of yoga exercises online, many that you can involve your little ones in, and you will all have a blast!! It's benificial not only because it is stress relief, but it teaches your little miracles good habits. Or you could bundle everyone up, and go for a nice walk, it is still a fun activity, but it gets you all out of the house, and into some fresh air. I don't know if this was helpful, but maybe you should give it a try? Hope it was somewhat helpful...

You brought up plates and it made me think of a trick my husband taught me for dealing with stress. Put 5 things on a plate and look at it. Take one off and look at the plate. Take one off and look at the plate, until the plate is empty. It does something to your brain that helps somehow. It basically helps you realize that you just deal with one thing at once, or something like that. Anyhow, he says to do this a few times a day until things feel better.

Keep things like fresh fruit and veggies hand availabel for the snacking part, that way if you are going to snack it is quick easy and nutritious. Also have those 100 calorie snacks on hand. Next you need to find a way to destress, get a massage, meditation, reading a good book, taking down time for you. With your kids so young, take a nap when they do, a 30 minute power nap can do wonders. Get a routine down for housework. I literally only spend 35-45 minutes a day five days a week on my housework and it is done on the weekends, other then a daily load of laundry and cleaning the kitchen.
If you do one load a day then you aren't spending a whole day doing it and feeling overwhelmed. Time to destress and look out for yourself. Next Saturday tell your husband you are taking the day off and go to the spa, get your nails done somewhere, just walk around the mall.
The fact you know what your trigger point is (stress) then just try to eliminate that. Great idea from other posts to get in the rec center and join a class. Zumba is a great new thing nowdays for excersise, latin dancing while working out!
Hang in there...deep breaths.

The reason eating works so well is because your body releases dopamine and seratonin when you do eat. It triggers a pleasure response. Other activities that will do the same thing... a warm relaxing bath will trigger the seratonin, an invigorating shower will trigger the dopamine, aromatherapy, massage, exercise, sex...all of these trigger the "happy" hormones and help reduce stress immensely. Also, don't sweat it if your house isn't perfectly clean...as long as you're giving your children the care that they need and deserve. They won't be sick forever and then you'll be able to spend more time catching up.

Put off the house work.

If it takes you 15 minutes today to run water and wash dishes, it will only take you 30 minutes after about 4 days.

If you have enough underwear, go without doing laundry for a week.

Trying to make every household chore part of your daily routine is too stressful. "today, all I need to do is the dishes." is a much better list than "I need to vacuum, pick up the kids' rooms, do a load of laundry, wash the dishes, and sweep." It takes longer to start and stop an activity: would you like to start and stop a chore 5 times a week or start an stop once? You really do get more done in less time.

And I think there's a bit of tradition to doing it a day at a time: http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lyrics/mulberry.htm

I read some of the responses below...I do eat out of boardom. OK, having three kids, working full-time and having a husband in school you wouldn't think there was much time for boardom but when I am working (at home anyway) I eat. I love the comment about drinking water. I think that may be my trick to try. I also, though it is part of your stress, clean when I am extra stressed. I clean like hell. I know htat is what is causing some of your stress but some stress is caused by not being about to relax in an orderly home. I couldn't clean everyday like this, it is exhosting but a good one or two days out of the week of real cleaning puts my stress to bed.

Hi A.
I have had the same trouble sence I was 15. every spring I get deprest. when I was a teen I would lock myself in my room and wouldnt go to school or anything, my proor mom would drag me out put me in the car in my pjs and all and we would just drive around just to get me out in the sun and fresh air. Now I am married and have 3 step kids ages 9 13 and 15 and I am 5 mounths prago so now its just a matter of dragging myself out. I know with kids its hard but get someone you trust so you arent worried about the kids while your out and get some "me time" no kids not even the twins! go get a spring hair cut go get your nails done go for a walk in the park do things that you want to do. buy a new spring outfit (comeplete with a new pair of shoes) dont do thing that you have to do bills shopping for the house. then the next week on a nice day bunddle the kids up and go to the park if the kids are feeling better go to a friends house for a play date for the kids. because when momas not happy no ones happy and when we are stressed the kids feel it and they get cranky. then the next week leave the kids with someone you trust and go do something with your hubby that you both enjoy. try to make yourself get out atlest once a week and if its a nice day bundle the kids up and go for a walk around the naborhood or start digging in your yard cleaning out your flower beds. I hope this helps S.

Hi, A.:

I can totally relate. I too, was a mother of three kids 2 and under. When my eldest was 2 years old, I also had twins (boy/girl). One of the things that really helped me was to put a schedule in place. Don't overwhelm yourself with keeping everything immaculate (I love a clean house, but it was a bit much trying to keep up with everything). Fortunately, my husband was a huge help. Would your husband be willing to help you with some of the chores? If you do a bit each night after the kids are in bed (like 15 minutes worth), it won't be so overwhelming.

I also relate to the eating when stressed situation. I managed to gain 20 pounds in the two years following the birth of my twins. It only caused MORE STRESS. I started doing Weight Watchers this past fall, and have been able to drop 23 pounds. I had to learn that rather than eating when I am stressed, to fill my time with something beneficial (exercise, reading, and spending time with my kids). It's been a very big change. I still like to snack, but I think now more about what else I can be doing, and if this moment of gratification is worth the weight. I also decided that I needed to set a good example for my kids. It has really been about changing my whole thought process. I just decided to ask God to help me with this, and He has really given me strength and I've seen good results!

Now, my kids are 5 and 3. I am happy and learning that putting more thought into how I am spending my time has made me prioritize what's important.

I hope this helps. And by the way.......it gets easier as they get older (although, right now I am potty training the twins~almost done!)

May God bless you in dealing with the stresses of being a busy Mom. He's given you these children! Enjoy them while you can!

H.

Boy do I hear you loud and clear! I've been there, done that. However, I find if I get up and go for a walk first thing in the morning,... not only do I find that things don't stress me out as much... but I also don't do as much emotional eating. (toss the twins in the stroller and have the two year old stand on the back) And there are other things you can do to get out of the house... like go walk around the mall. If you do the same thing every day (especially with winter and sick kids) it can really wear on you and make you want to eat more. And....if you go outside or go somewhere else... an added bonus is you stay away from the kitchen :o) (where the food is :o)
Another possibility, if you have the funds, is to get a gym membership where they have childcare. It is wonderful to have an hour or so to take care of yourself, and then you will be a better mom to your kids and wife to your husband. Just a thought:o)

A., I am also a mother of twin one year olds. I just recently went through the same thing as you. I decided to start slim fast. I can rarely find time to make myself anything anyway. Slim fast really works. I'm not hungry during the day, you just have to have will power to not eat the crap in the pantry. And once the weather warms up you won't feel nearly as stressed. I think being cooped up in the house during the winter gets a little draining. Relief is on the way.

S.

moms have such a challenging job!!! first, be kind to yourself, we all do it or want to!!! try to find ways you can be outside and active that also help you. clean out your garage with the door open. my garage looks great and my house looks terrible, oh well. stick your kids in a bike burly and ride to the park (one on a bike seat?). the ride there and back is worth it for you. get a routine of a morning walk for you guys. even if you don't go far, just being out and breathing the air will inspire you. and yes, get some time for yourself!!

I do the same thing! But have noticed the extra pounds so I try to clean instead but that has not been working to well. Maybe it would be a good idea to take the kids to a sitter or family member and take some time to yourself go get your nails done or your hair or even go home to the empty house and take a nap. The extra hour or two by your self makes it easier to handle things. Hope this helps.

I have found joining a gym and going for the classes three times a week has really helped me. The healthier I feel the healthier I want to eat, and most gyms have daycares so it's a break from the chaos. But if you're like me, I recommend the classes vs. just getting on a machine because it really takes your mind off life for an hour as you have to concentrate on following the teacher. A gym membership or YMCA is definitely worth the money.

I have a bunch of things I do. One thing I really like is something that actually started off as a gift for an overstressed friend of mine. I call them "15 Minute Holidays" and the basic idea is that you do something you enjoy for 15 minutes or less. I like to give myself a hand, foot or ear massage, you wouldn't believe how relaxing a 3-5 minute ear massage can be, it's always nicer when someone else gives a massage but anything is better than nothing.

Also, meditation for even just 5 minutes reading a soothing book, pretty much anything you can do in that time. I would just wait until your twins are napping and get your 2 year old watching something and then slip into the next room, set a timer so you don't have to keep track of time, and you should be able to get 5-15 minutes of peace at least once a day.

Hope this helps you.

I feel that way when my iron is low, so I would make sure you are taking your vitamins and iron if needed. The other thing I do is only give myself access to healthy snacks. If I buy candy and other high-fat snacks and have them around that's what I snack on and it starts a sad cycle.

Find (or resurrect) a hobby. I recently decided to learn watercolor painting, and last night after having a really stressful day, I painted a picture. It's very relaxing and fulfilling to create something out of nothing. If art isn't your thing, try music, or exercise, or even some kind of game. Also, when our family wanted to start eating healthier and my husband wanted to lose a little weight, we just didn't keep junk in the house. Since I'm the one who does the grocery shopping, it was easy for me just to leave the chips and ice cream on the shelf. I wasn't so excited about it when I was hungry and looking for a snack, but it forced me to eat healthy snacks (an apple, yogurt, etc.) instead of junk (which helps me GAIN weight, not lose it). So, if you do that, at least when you're stress-eating, you'll have something good for you... Just a thought.

HI,
I understand your situation. Been there! Do you have somebody - family or friends - that you can call for some help? Women thrive in community rather than isolation. If not, who cares about housework? It can wait while you take care of your self and your sick kids.
Additionally, use meditation to help. When you feel stressed or want to eat, see if you can't stop yourself and catch the thought and impulse. Focus on your breathing; feel your body. Bring awareness to the desire to eat, and that it's a thought based on stress. See if the breathing and focusing the mind on the body and breath doesn't calm you down and redirect your desire to eat. Try some restorative yoga poses. Very easy. Take time for yourself. In the end, everything is going to be fine. There is nothing to worry about. Your thoughts are the source of the anxiety.
Much love and peace to you and your family.
S.

I do something similar to what Jennifer S. wrote. I chew gum. My dh is in Iraq right now. I've been an emotional wreck of an eater dealing with a 2 yr old and 17 yr old and all the fun the comes with deployment. I have gum everywhere. It's at hand for my first response becuase I just chew my anxiety out. My jaw hurts often but I am not putting on weight still--
hope this helps
I also keep a pretty cup in the bathroom that I put in pamper ideas I can do in 15 minutes or less. I try to do one a day for myself to help take care of me along the way.

ps be gentle with yourself. It's a lot to deal with when the kids are sick. I know it's hard but I keep reminding myself, you know the housework will still be here tomorrow but I can't reclaim today with my dd.

There's a Bikram Yoga place in Sandy. That did wonders for my stress level. It's kinda expensive, but helped tons. Your energy level goes WAY up, too. I went to the night classes so my hubby could watch the kids. A few times I tried the early morning session so I'd be back before hubby went to work. I'd carpool with neighbors who were trying it out, too. The first 30 days you get a really good deal. if your close, you should look into it.

I also focus on accomplishing one thing a day and ignore what's still on the to-do list. Did a load of laundry? *cheer* anything else is extra.

I guess I do the water thing too - sip water when i'm stressed instead of reaching for food. Exercise helps. or putting on "energetic music" and watching the kids chase themselves silly.

I know it is hard not to be stressed when your oldest kids are younger. I remember exactly how that feels. I can only realy say take it one thing at a time this time will pass and it will probally be one of the most challenging things you do in your life but when your oldest starts getting older your life will change and what seems to take forever actually will be over before you know it. As far as the eating part goes I had that problem too I just had to keep working at it. Cease to be idle and just do it is what I would have to keep telling myself. When I would want to eat instead I would clean the sink or one thing at a time. After 27 days it becomes a habbit. Well good luck with the little ones and remember it is all worth it. They get olde in the blink of an eye.

If you feel you need to eat, have some fruit or veggies they are healthy and curb the craving. Water also helps, it temporarily makes you feel full and helps flush toxins out of the body. Some moderate exercise will help too, it will give you a boost of energy and make you feel better as well as cutting down on stress. And exercise can be some basic streaching touch your toes and breathe deep breaths in and out, take a quick walk with the kids and get some fresh air(weather permitting) or they have short kids work out videos you can work out with the kids have fun with them, cut stress, and feel better. Some times having the kids help dust or switch laundry or do some basics helps, make it a game, fun and rewarding and they will want to help. You can get some things done and get the kids involved. My son of 21 months loves to help me with anything, its fun to see what they will do next, and cuts my stress in half.. Hope this helps.

Being a stay-at-home is stressful. Housework --- don't stress if you're behind. There are more important things in life to sweat. Ask your kids and husband to help out with chores. Get someone (your husband, friend, family, etc) to watch your kids so you can ski or snowshoe and relieve some stress. Or have the whole family go snowshoeing and skiing. Have healthy food available to eat so you won't feel so guilty when you eat it. You to stop trying to be super mom. You need some YOU time. Give your self permission to have a break.

I can feel for you. It seems to have been a long winter and I know I have packed on some extra pounds myself. I only have one daughter who is 17 months old, so I can't imagine what you do with 3? With the weather getting a bit better, I have been spending more time outside letting her play and I have just been enjoying being outside. No food out there either. I have been pulling her around in her wagon and that way I get some exercise, too. Try keeping healthy snacks around like grapes, apples and pretzels, you are less likely to reach for the forbiddens that way. Take time for yourself, too. Not that I get much of that but I try to get up early 3 days a week and workout. I have an eliptical in the garage and it helps me out mentally and physically. Also, I try to take time every morning, during a nap time to sit down and spend some time journaling and reading my Bible. This of course is so helpful, keeps things in perspective.
Hope any of this helps.
T.

Hi A.-
I have three children ages 5, 3 and 1 and I find myself feeling the same way during the day. I struggle with the house, the laundry, spending time with my children and wanting to eat when I get stressed. Just a few weeks ago I joined a gym with daycare. This has helped me so much with feeling depressed. I go around 11:00 when it's not so busy and I know that my children are well taken care of. It's my hour to myself and I feel like I can handle anything after I go. Some days it's hard to get going and get there but I think about how I feel afterwards and that makes it easier. Don't get down on yourself! There are so many of us that feel the same way. You are not alone!

The best advice I can give is that whenever you have that urge to stress-eat, put the same energy into something else. Check your email, go out and check the mail, see if the library has a book you want, make yourself write a few sentences in a journal. It takes more self-discipline because it is just so easy to eat something, but I feel better about myself when I overcome myself and do something I know I should do but find it hard to make myself do. I hope that makes sense.

When I had a toddler and a baby to care for at home and I'd get stressed, I used to take a jumprope out on our deck and do 100 jumps...took as long as eating something...sometimes less. I was in great shape!

I tend to not eat when I am stressed an equally disturbing problem.

But I have noticed that if I set times for myself about eating & what I am going to eat then I don't usually have any problems with picking up whatever I have laying around.

I went to a health & fitness consulting co & they put a menu together for me so I could stay on target- it worked for me.
You can check them out at THFonline.com- my husband & I actually purchased the SLC story after seeing great results.

As for the stress releiver- I like to pound on the piano- it helps for me- Also jogging & getting out of the house. Taking my kids to the park & just sitting & vegging for a few minutes really helps me out too.

I hope some of this is helpful for you. :)