Stress is so deeply ingrained in modern society that it often seems like a natural, inevitable part of life—but it doesn’t have to be. Conquering your stress should be a top priority, given that chronic stress can cause physical health problems. These include hormonal imbalances and weight gain due to stress eating. It’s difficult to reprogram your relationship with food and lose weight by yourself. You’ll need a structured weight loss program in Mt. Kisco or the surrounding Westchester County. Ideally, your program will include dietary guidance, exercise counseling, and emotional support. You can also benefit from practicing mindful meditation.

Understanding Emotional Eating

Stress eating is common. It happens when you turn to a favorite comfort food after a disheartening parent/teacher conference or an unexpected car breakdown. Food is used as a coping mechanism. It offers temporary distractions from life’s many problems. Fatty and sugary foods also alter the chemical balance in the brain, causing people to associate unhealthy junk food with pleasant sensations. There are many possible triggers for stress eating, but the underlying characteristic is eating despite the absence of physical hunger.

Getting Ready to Meditate

Now that you know why you eat when you’re stressed, you can remind yourself that you’re not really hungry when a craving strikes. Meditating every day is a helpful tool for resisting the allure of junk food. Multiple forms of meditation exist. The best way to meditate is whichever way works for you. Get ready by finding the right time. You’ll need at least a few minutes of time all for yourself, with no interruptions from your family. Turn off your cellphone and shut your laptop. Decide if you want to meditate sitting, lying down, or standing up. You can even meditate while taking a stroll outdoors.

Practicing Mindful Meditation

To start meditating, do not try to clear your mind of all thoughts. Instead, choose a focal point for your attention. It may be your breath or a phrase. Get comfortable and focus on being in the moment. Your attention will inevitably start to wander. You might start thinking about deadlines at work or the chores around the house that need to be done. Gently nudge your attention back to your breath or the phrase. With continued practice, you’ll find that the inner peace you develop in meditation can extend to your other waking hours. Your new approach to stress management can help you cease overeating.