Yes, you read that right....eight pages. (Can I take this moment to mention that I am very relieved I do not have to do report cards as part of my position)
One friend said that she has been eating sweets all week and the other said she has barely been eating at all. Complete opposites, but neither one is good, especially at a time when the body and mind are under extra stress.
I am definitely a stress snacker. If I am stressed out, it is my excuse to eat chocolate, drink more soda, and allow myself treats that I would not normally have. I rationalize that if I am working extra hard, I should get a reward and that reward is usually something good to eat. Couldn't I just go shopping? This also happens because when I'm extra busy/stressed (oh right, there is no time for shopping), I might not have as much time to plan or prepare healthy food. I often don't consciously realize that I am stressed. Last year, when my dentist asked me about being stressed, I replied that I wasn't, yet he gave me a mouth guard to wear at night because the extent of my teeth grinding was so bad, I need to prevent myself from damaging my teeth. So was I stressed, yes! Did I know it? Not really. The only time it really clicks that I am stressed is when the stress eating habits kick in.
I feel like this is one of those weeks.
When I can count on one hand the number of servings of veges and fruits I have eaten all week.
When I run out of fingers when counting the servings of carbs and bread I have eaten in the last day.
When I start to feel crappy both mentally and phsyically.
When my minds starts wandering to the land of chocolate and I dream about coffee, chocolate, and other sugary yummies.
So, after yet another day of eating poorly yesterday, I woke up this morning with a renewed inspiration to kick those poor choices to the curb and start eating healthier. This morning I purchased the book In Defense of Food from amazon and I will get it tomorrow. (I heart amazon prime!) I read a post the other day (written by Kasey at All That is Good ) that got me thinking about my guilt over my poor eating habits that have popped up in recent days. Kasey mentioned Food, Inc., In Defense of Food, Fast Food Nation, The Omnivores Dilemma, and Fresh as good books/movies for inspiring good, healthy eating. Normally, I feel like I eat pretty well, but like I mentioned those habits change during times of stress.
I am really excited to read In Defense of Food (and add it to my list of books read for pleasure for the month of January to keep up with my New Year's goal of reading at least one book for pleasure each month).
Kasey was really on point when she talked about the benefits of eating well. The body feels better when it's fed nutritious food which logically would make it easier to combat stress, right? Although I could never give up my penchant for baking, I do think that I would like to incorporate lots more fresh, untouched foods in my diet and remove the processed items that don't fill me up and don't do much for my body either.
So far, I have been pretty good at juggling the whole working, taking 12 credits of doctoral courses, taking care of home and husband routine, but suddenly this week it feels like too much. I have stuff weighing on my mind including taking a third crack at the driving test tomorrow, the 22-30 page paper that I have to write this term about education in Germany, working on a project with a partner who is in Oregon & trying to get assignments accomplished on a shared time schedule rather than just my own, in addition to making a very significant choice about my life (which I will share more about later, I promise and no it's not about having babies...).
I can handle it, I know that, but I also know that I need to treat myself and my body in the right way which means getting enough sleep (thanks to a bloggy friend for that reminder), exercising, and eating right.
Hopefully some of the stress will be alleviated tomorrow by passing the driving exam. If I don't mention anything after, you might want to just assume that I have crawled into a hole and died of embarrassment and we'll leave it at that.
I am off to have a healthy snack and get in a good workout before the studying with hubs commences this evening.
10 comments:
I tend to stress eat too. Recently, I have asked myself when grabbing something at work "Is this really what I want? Why am I eating?".... it kind of makes me think a bit, and I grab a glass of water first.
Stress is no fun! Nothing to mess with!
Good luck on your driving test tomorrow.I guess I won't complain about not having a car here anymore I would fail for sure. Is the test in German? Hope your week goes better.
In Defense of Food was a great read. I found it illuminating, but a little demoralizing. It's amazing how Americans especially have lost control of their food supply. He gives great tips on getting back some measure of control.
This post is spot on-- I almost feel like you've digitally called me out across the internet. Last week I might have had 5 servings of fruit-- for the WHOLE WEEK. And this week, I'm starting off with a sick day-- can you say, bagels and muffins, please?
~Elizabeth
Confessions From A Working Mom
Hahaha! I TOTALLY thought it was going to be about having babies!!!
I know what you mean about stressed eating, though I tend to be more of a bored eater than a stressed one. Not good either though. Sometimes I will justify something with the "hard day" i have had though...so in a way that is stressed eating, just not all the time.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. My mom has been a great help to my wedding planning but has also made things very difficult. AShe is very opinionated and I have trouble not listening and/or caring about her opinion. I made the whole "meltdown" sound more like my fault than it truly was because my parents read my blog. I am very aware that it is 1 day, but I feel like others don't seem to get that all the time. I'd be fine with a big party with all our family and friends. Don't need place cards and programs all that. What it comes down to is, I am the first to get married in my immediate and extended family so there is a lot of pressure on me and no one else to have learned from! It's going to get stressful at times, but I hope I can get through it in one piece :)
Thanks for the suggestion about checking my allergies to berries. I've heard that before so I'll try without them for awhile to see if that makes a difference. I would hate for it to be that though. I love my berries!
I'm a stress eater too, so I can definitely relate. I also clench my teeth when I'm stressed, which isn't good either.
At least you're aware of your stress and the causes, and you're taking action! Good luck on your driving test and I hope some of your stress eases up soon.
I am stress eater as well! I go for the salty and crunchy! Bad! You are right, finding a healthy snack to munch on and getting rest is the best thing you can do for yourself!
Good luck!
I hope you did well on your driving test today! And I wish you luck on this new significant life change, whatever it is.
It sounds like you've had loads of stress lately! Like you, I tend to start snaking under those stressful conditions.
I've given you an award over at my blog. Don't worry about doing the whole award thing if you don't have time. Just consider it a tribute to your blog.
When I'm stressed I don't eat at all. Well, unless you count desserts. I go on major sugar binges.
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