Date post: | 25-Jun-2015 |
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Healthcare |
Upload: | steph-greegor |
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OBSTACLE 7: ANXIETY
“I’M HAVING AN ANXIETY ATTACK—FEED ME!”
Anxiety runs the gamut of
being mild and manageable to
severe panic attacks that leave
you frozen in place. The first
step to dealing with anxiety is
always to speak with your
doctor first and determine the
seriousness of your condition.
But when it comes to weight
management, if you feel your
anxiety is making you gain—
you may be right.
You can get and maintain good
health even when dealing with
anxiety.
HOW DOES ANXIETY AFFECT MY WEIGHT?
The simplified explanation is this:
Anxiety creates a fight or flight reaction that releases cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones.
Your body reacts by craving foods that release a pleasure hormone to calm you and replenish energy stores that may have been used in “fight or flight.”
Foods you crave that release pleasure hormones are typically calorie-dense foods that are high-fat or high-sugar.
You legitimately eat to feel better because these foods physically calm you. And that calming effect can become addictive.
WHAT DO I DO?
The very first thing you
should do is see a doctor.
Everyone gets anxious and
has stress from time-to-time,
but extreme anxiety and
stress can have a detrimental
effect on your weight, your
mood, and your quality of life.
• First things first, see a
doctor and get an
assessment.
USE THAT NERVOUS ENERGY FOR GOOD
Anxiety gives you that fight or flight
boost—so why not use it and burn
calories instead of consuming them?
Instead of reaching for a bag of chips
to crunch out the jitters or a candy bar
to soothe the fear, MOVE! Workout, do
the laundry, wash the dishes, run the
vacuum, take a walk, play a Wii game
with your kiddo—expend the excess
energy in a positive way.
• The added bonus to moving is any
of these activities will take your
mind of the thing causing the
anxiety and give you a reprieve.
Plus, when the anxiety passes—you
have a clean house!
ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR ANXIETY
There’s no easy way to say this, but, your
anxiety will continue to fester until you
address the thing that’s causing it. If you
feel you can’t face your anxieties alone,
talk to a trusted friend or family member,
or visit a professional.
• Face down your fears and find ways to
deal with them in a healthy way that
doesn’t cause your waistline to take a
hit.
CUT CAFFEINE
News flash: You can still enjoy a
cup of coffee without the caffeine.
Ditto on all the other drinks you
consume. Caffeine is a stimulant,
and for those already dealing with
anxiety, it doesn’t help
calm you down.
Ditch caffeine. If you consume a
significant amount, cut it out
slowly to avoid headaches.
WHEN YOU HAVE TO EAT SOMETHING…
Sometimes, you just have to cave and eat something sweet or crunchy to help deal with the anxiety. When that moment happens, make a healthy substitution. For example, if you’re craving salt, heat a bag of low-fat popcorn and munch away virtually guilt-free. If you crave something sweet, low-cal tic-tacs give you that sweet and crunch without a lot of sugar.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Most people have anxiety over something at some point in their lives. The important thing is, you know you’re not alone, and there are ways to address your anxiety and keep moving forward on your get healthy goals.
Remember, unlike some of the roadblocks to good health, anxiety can be considered a medical condition and carries a bit more seriousness, as it can be debilitating. Please see your doctor if your anxiety has affected your daily routine, your mood, and your view on life.