Hi Everyone,
Today is the end of Stress Awareness Month. I hope you were able to absorb some really great tips from our healthcare professionals.
I leave you with a few more “Lap-Band Life Lessons”.
Lesson #1: Don’t allow yourself to become too hungry. When you get hungry your blood sugar can drop which makes it very hard to think rationally. In this situation, your dietary discipline may be affected and you are likely to make bad choices. Avoid skipping meals to prevent from getting into this situation.
Lesson #2: Always think about portions. When we are stressed we increase the risk of eating too quickly and consuming greater than normal portions. Try to be conscious of portion size and put aside the stress when eating.
Lesson #3: Make healthy choices when it comes to snacks. The best snacks combine protein and carbohydrates. This combination is digested more slowly, allowing you to feel satisfied longer. Avoid snacks high in fat and sugar.
Lesson #4: Think about what you’re eating. When people are really stressed, they think that paying attention to their diet will just lead to more stress. In fact, if you make good choices you give your brain better fuel to deal with the stress and make it easier to cope. High sugar and high-fat food cause swings in blood sugar and affect your ability to focus.
Lesson #5: Deal with your stress. This may be easier said than done, but finding ways to manage your stress is essential to your overall health. Try yoga, tai chi, or meditation. Exercise regularly. Spend time with friends. Seek counseling. Reduce the number of stressors in your life.
Finding ways to minimize stress in your life and focusing on better food choices can break this cycle.
Stress may be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to lead to weight gain. Give these techniques a try!
Happy reading!
~CC