How to avoid stress eating with COVID-19 anxiety

The stress of the coronavirus pandemic can cause us to react in unhealthy ways, including stress eating.

According to Erin Wickersham, one of Virtua Health's registered dietitians, said if you find you’re eating when you’re not hungry, or you find yourself grazing, nibbling, or snacking without thinking about it, you may be stress eating. If you are, she said, don’t let it add to your stress. It’s actually normal. Almost everyone has periods of stress or emotional eating, so you shouldn't feel guilty about it.

It is, however, something you want to control, which you can do using the acronym STAR, which means Stop (what you're doing), Take (a deep breath), Ask (yourself what you're really looking for), and Redirect (yourself to a different activity.

Those activities can include anything from starting a new book or taking a walk.

She also suggests maintaining normal meal patterns and eating nourishing foods.

"When you’re more nourished, you’re more satisfied and less likely to have cravings," she said.

Extra stress during a time like this is normal and so is stress eating. Don’t deny yourself your favorite snack but be mindful that the snack doesn't solve the underlying issue.

Wickersham shares details about the STAR approach, tips for activities to take your mind off eating, and other suggestions to help you avoid stress eating. You'll find all of that on the Virtua website.