Why We Stress Eat (and How to Stop It!)
, by Kiana Admin, 2 min reading time
Why We Stress Eat (and How to Stop It!)
By The Bossy Me
Let’s be real—stress eating is so real. You’re not hungry, but suddenly that bag of chips, pint of ice cream, or leftover pizza starts whispering your name 🍟🍕🍫. And before you know it… boom, it’s gone 💨.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! 🤗
What Is Stress Eating?
Stress eating, or “emotional eating,” happens when we use food to cope with our feelings instead of actual hunger 😩➡️🍰.
Whether it’s anxiety 😵💫, sadness 😢, anger 😤, boredom 🥱, or just a long-ass day 😮💨, food becomes our comfort.
And it usually ain’t a kale salad either 🥗❌—it’s comfort food packed with sugar 🍩, fat 🍟, and salt 🧂.
Why? Because those flavors trigger a dopamine release—a short-term “feel good” chemical ✨🧠.
But here’s the thing…
That good feeling doesn’t last ⏳.
Instead, you’re left with:
Guilt 😔
Bloating 🤰
Regret 😞
And the stress? Still there 🫠
Why We Do It
- Cortisol spike! When you’re stressed 😖, your body releases cortisol which increases appetite 🍽️
- Childhood habits: Got rewarded with cookies for being upset? 🍪 That memory lives on
- Distraction: Eating keeps your brain busy 🧠➡️🍕
- Control: When life feels chaotic 🌪️, food feels like something you can control ✅
What It Looks Like
- Eating when you’re not hungry 🚫🍽️
- Craving specific foods 🍕🍦🍔
- Eating in secret 🤫
- Feeling better briefly then worse after 🙃
- Rewarding yourself with food 🎁🍰
Healthy Coping Swaps
Time to boss up 💅 and swap the stress snack for something that actually serves you:
- Move your body: Dance, walk, stretch — just MOVE! 🕺🏽🏃🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️
- Hydrate: Drink water like it’s your job 💦🫖
- Journal: Get those feelings out ✍🏾📓
- Call a friend: Talk it out 📞🫂
- Deep breaths: Inhale peace, exhale snacks 🧘♀️🌬️
- Sip something calming: Herbal tea? Juice shot? Yes please ☕🧃
If You Do Want to Eat…
Try this:
- Pause ⏸️
- Ask: “Am I truly hungry?” 🤔
- If yes, eat mindfully 🍴
- If no, redirect that energy ⚡
Bossy Affirmations When Cravings Hit
- “I’m stronger than this craving” 💪🏾
- “Food doesn’t control me. I do” ✨
- “This feeling is temporary. My power isn’t” 👑
Let’s Wrap It Up
You’re allowed to feel your feelings 🫶🏾.
But you don’t have to numb them with snacks 🍫.
You’re powerful enough to deal with them head-on 🧠💥.
Every time you choose YOU instead of the cookies—YOU WIN 🏆
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about being present ✨
Tag me on IG if this hit home
@thebossyme — Let’s get through it together 👯♀️📱
Sending you love, strength & a snack you actually wanted
— The Bossy Me
Emojis for the feels
Stress? 😩
Cravings? 🤤
Awareness? 👀
Healing? ✨
Growth? 🌱
You? THAT GIRL/GUY