The upcoming presidential election, as well as other stressful events, could lead to emotional eating, which has been shown to be a critical risk factor for weight gain. Researchers have found a link between emotional eating and health factors such as obesity, depression, anxiety, and stress. It is important to identify healthier coping mechanisms for negative emotions to prevent dangerous outcomes associated with emotional eating.
Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist, Ilana Muhlstein, has observed an increase in emotional eating among her clients during stressful times like the presidential election. She noted that people tend to mindlessly snack while watching events like debates or sports games to feel in control of the situation. Emotional eating can be a significant factor for individuals struggling with weight loss, as it can make it challenging to lose weight and even harder to maintain it.
Emotional eating is prevalent in American culture, with many food companies promoting the idea that food can make people feel better. Indulging in unhealthy treats during happy occasions is different from eating to cope with negative situations. Muhlstein emphasized the importance of addressing emotional eating, as it can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food in the long term. Emotional eaters tend to consume foods high in sugar and other fattening ingredients, which can have addictive properties.
Research has shown a connection between consuming processed foods and feeling good chemicals in the body, which can contribute to addiction. Muhlstein warned against the impact of guilt on emotional eating, as individuals who feel guilty after overeating are more likely to continue eating poorly. To curb emotional eating, it is essential to address feelings of guilt and shame and adopt a more positive outlook towards eating habits. Creating a supportive environment by keeping high sugar, high fat processed foods out of the home can also help prevent emotional eating.
Muhlstein recommended using healthier coping mechanisms during high-stress situations, such as exercising, deep breathing, and staying hydrated. By engaging in activities like walking, journaling, meditation, or yoga, individuals can start to replace the habit of turning to food for stress relief with healthier alternatives. It is crucial to shift the focus from stress eating to adopting positive stress management techniques to prevent emotional eating and its negative impact on health and well-being.
