I have a bad reaction to stress, called comfort eating. I know this because whenever I’m stressed out I run to the fridge or cupboard and start filling my puku till I feel better.

This is what is called a negative stress response. Other negative stress responses are losing your temper, yelling, or throwing a tantrum.

It can be a vicious cycle. So what can you do about it?

Well it’s difficult but the only way to change a behaviour is…

1. Become aware that you are doing this thing you want to change. (I eat junk food when I am stressed)
2. Find something else you can do instead (I’m now eating a table spoon of organic peanut butter when I feel like I’m going to comfort eat)
3. Practice, practice, practice. (So now when I get stressed instead of filling my puku with junk I get a tablespoon of peanut butter and have one of those. It’s great. I’ve been practicing this for 3 weeks now and it’s working. Even my kids have more snacks cause their daddy isn’t digging into them.

This concept can be applied to anything, especially parenting. But you have to be realistic too. Choose something else you can do, that you can do. If you want to stop yelling, instead of saying I’m not going to yell. Tell yourself, when I get a bit angry I’m going to go outside and calm down and practice.

Good luck!!