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We know you are stress eating. We’re here to help. Trying to quit emotional eating is a challenge. In the meantime, here are some of the best healthy snacks for stress eating both sweet and savory.
If you have been on or near planet earth for the first part of 2020, you may be feeling a little bit….stressed.
My family in particular has been hit with more than a few curveballs, not to mention it’s an election year and oh yeah, COVID-19 is bringing the world to a halt.
This is fine.
We will get through this and to the other side.
I’m actually not in a panic about the health crisis, but I am sitting at home staring at my refrigerator for some kind of food-medicine and I don’t think I’m alone.
No You Aren’t The Only One Stress Eating
Emotional eating or stress eating is pretty common. According to the American Psychological Association, 27% of adults admit to eating to manage stress and nearly 40% have skipped meals due to stress.
I’ve talked about my emotional eating many times in the past and despite trying different diets and workout plans, my emotions still tend to rule the school.
I eat to celebrate. I eat when I’m nervous or overtired. I look to food when I am in a holding pattern.
Hello 2020.
Simply put, I’m not going to stop stress eating. So what are my options? What can I do to stop eating too much? And here is where I think maybe that isn’t the right question.
I’m going to eat. This is well established.
Reach for Healthier Snacks
So I need to have some healthy snacks for stress eating within arms reach and I need it now more than ever.
I’ve gathered a list of things to reach for that will do a lot less damage than a donut. I thought I would share in case you need some fresh ideas.
I understand that eating 7 clementines is still not optimal, but we have to start somewhere right? I love comfort food as much as the next guy, but at some point we have to grab a veggie.
1
Homemade Kale Chips
Kale chips are crunchy, salty, and actually pretty amazing for your body. I would eat these guilt-free in a heartbeat.
Smokey Maple Roasted Chickpeas are a super tasty healthy snack which taste like maple cured bacon but are vegan and made with sesame oil, smoked paprika, onion granules and maple syrup.
This fun dip is perfect for snacking. It just has a few simple ingredients and comes together in not time at all. The best part is all of the ingredients are wholesome as well. Perfect after school snack or fun for a party!
Toasted pepitas are coated with a raw sugar caramel, ground cinnamon and chipotle, and sprinkled with sea salt. In 5 minutes you have a tasty snack or garnish for many of your favorite dishes!
This Triple Pumpkin Peanut Butter Granola boasts 3 forms of pumpkin and is the perfect crunchy treat! It makes a great on-the-go snack or topping for your favorite item.
Quick Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Sourdough Muffins
These chocolate chip sourdough muffins are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day! They are quick, easy and full of oatmeal and whole wheat goodness yet they are soft and yummy. So good!
I’m not saying we should eat unlimited quantities of these foods (except maybe the kale chips).
But if we are all going to be working from our kitchens for the unforeseeable future, we may as well stock them with tasty foods that aren’t full of useless calories.
Yes, some of us already worked from home before this whole health mess, but maybe we could stand to make a few adjustments too. Ahem.
Andrea Updyke is a married mom of two boys living in Raleigh, NC. She is a published author and blogger of more than 18 years and loves to celebrate the little things that make life awesome.
Whether she's sharing tasty recipes, traveling or hanging with the family, Andrea's goal is to help make your days a little easier and a lot more fun! Email inquiries to andreaupdyke@gmail.com.
Love these ideas. So many of them are things I’ve wanted to try to make and just haven’t.
I need to get more dippable veggies and use them with some healthier dressings. Not a recipe, but still a good and simple idea.
Yes! Roasted red pepper hummus is my go to for dipping!