Junk Break
Posted: June 30, 2010 Filed under: Holistic Health Leave a comment »When you’re under stress – from work, finances, relationships – it’s easy to want comfort foods. These are usually junk foods that give you immediate satisfaction but are ultimately unhealthy and can lead to heartburn, indigestion and fatigue. As you start to pull out a crisp dollar bill for the vending machine, take a moment to try this quick exercise.
1. Acknowledge the stress that’s causing your craving. Ask your body if it’s really hungry or if all you need is a break. Try a glass of water, standing up from your desk to stretch, jump in place or laugh. Instead of a walk to the vending machine, head outside for a moment of fresh air and sunshine.
2. Feeling stressed will impair your decision-making power, and junk food snacks will only make it worse. Use a positive affirmation like “Healthy whole food snacks will reduce my stress and help me think more clearly.”
3. Visualize eating a healthy snack and how good your body and mind will feel. If you’re really hungry, and not just having stress-induced cravings, have a snack such as fruit and nuts, carrots and hummus, celery and nut butter. Plan ahead for tomorrow by keeping these whole food snacks at the office.
