Stress Eating During The Pandemic

Maintaining healthy weight and good eating habits are important, especially during the pandemic. Professor Thomas Thesen, a cognitive neuroscientist in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine has some tips.

“Pandemic induced anxiety can lead many to "stress eat" to suppress or soothe negative emotions. This can range from overeating and bingeing to severely restricting food intake. It can mean unhealthy food choices, such as eating lots of sweets or salty snacks, which can affect your health.”

“Here are some ways to keep stress eating in check:

• Be aware of your feelings and food craving and avoid eating when emotionally "triggered."
• Stick to regular meal times.
• Replace sugary and salty foods with healthier options.
• Lastly, open up to a friend. You might have similar problems and offer each other support.

Every day offers a clean slate. You can start fresh and get in control of your stress eating today!”

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