Is Stress Making You Fat?

A Healthy Diet Can Help Protect You

* Wednesday April 22, 2009, 4:14 pm EDT



Related:

* Herbalife Ltd.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--There's no shortage of stress these days - worries about jobs, the economy and the stresses of daily life touch us all. But while occasional stress can rev us up to handle what comes our way, too much stress for too long can take its toll on the body.

Stress can tax the body’s immune system and since a healthy immune system depends on a nutrient-rich diet, being well-nourished is one of the best defenses against illness, particularly during times of ongoing stress.

At the same time, stress can lead to fatigue and depression. And when that happens, healthy eating habits often fall by the wayside. It becomes easier to eat what is quick, or comforting. But fast foods and comfort foods are often laden with fat, salt and sugar – hardly the best nutrients to support a healthy body.

“High calorie comfort foods stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the brain that make us feel good – and make us want to keep eating,” says Luigi Gratton, M.D., and vice president of medical affairs at Herbalife. “But it’s a vicious cycle: overeating leads to weight gain - which increases psychological stress that, in turn, leads to more overeating. In addition, excess weight causes physical stress on the body – leading to more weight gain around the waistline which increases health risks.”

If you are well-nourished, your body will be much better equipped to combat stress. While you might not be able to make the stress go away, here are some tips to help manage how you respond to stress:

* Eat balanced meals. Include lean protein – like poultry, egg whites, low-fat dairy, lean meats, fish, or soy products – with each meal. Protein satisfies hunger and also helps keep you mentally alert. Round out your meal with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Protein shakes are an easy way to have a healthy meal without loading up on unwanted calories.
* Eat regularly and don’t skip meals. When you’re stressed it’s easy to put meals off - or even skip them altogether – but energy levels will suffer as a result. If stress is an appetite-killer, try eating smaller amounts of food more often during the day.
* Try to avoid using food as a stress reducer. A brisk walk or a cup of herbal tea might work instead. If you feel the need to eat, hard crunchy foods help relieve stress by putting tight jaw muscles to work. Try snacking on a handful of almonds, soy nuts or baby carrots.
* Make mealtimes pleasant. Keep meals separate from work or other sources of stress – don’t eat at your desk, or pay bills while you eat dinner. Take a little extra time to slow down and relax while you eat – you’re likely to eat less and enjoy it more.