Life is busy. When things get crazy, it can be hard to stay on top of things. Like eating regularly...or eating at all.
Anxiety can really impact our appetite. Some people crave more food when anxious or stressed. They can eat too much, chasing some temporary feeling of comfort or relief.
Others experience less hunger and thirst. Some may feel slightly nauseous, or simply have too much on their mind to remember to eat or drink.
If this sounds like you, try to eat more 'by the clock' at regular times every 2-3 hours, rather than waiting for feelings of hunger to kick in. And don't forget to keep hydrated! Keep a reusable water bottle handy.
Yeah, Yeah...eating healthy is good for you...but I manage OK. Does it really matter that much?
Yes. Your diet does matter. What and how often you eat affects how you feel, including how well you deal with anxiety. Dehydration, caffeine or sugar crashes, and lack of nutrition can contribute to many NOT fun things like jitters, light-headedness, weakness, lack of focus, and racing heart. Sound familiar?
And do you feel run down a lot? Sure one obvious reason is lack of sleep, but you may be surprised how much your diet is slowing you down too.
Think of your body like a car and food like fuel. Good fuel in = a car that runs smooth on a flat road and goes the distance (rather than a car that sputters to a stop or revs out of control and runs off a cliff).
But eating healthy is so much EFFORT, and I'm in school or at practice all day. I'm not even that hungry at lunch anyway.
Try packing some high protein snacks for on the go or keeping a 'snack stash' in your locker*, like:
Almonds or other nuts
Edamame
Cheese and whole-wheat crackers
Protein bars or shakes
Granola or trail mix
Fruit (bananas, apple)
Cottage cheese
Greek yoghurt
Thick cut (or steel cut) oatmeal
Hard boiled egg
*Some of these snacks can be kept around in your locker or bag for when you really need them, but some you definitely don't want to forget about. Trust us.
But I think more clearly after a coffee or an energy drink...and I really like my little treats.
Yep, us too. Just be aware that the quick boost from a coffee or energy drink comes at a cost. Anything that goes up must come down...with a CRASH.
If you aren't ready to give up your caffeine or sugary snack try pairing it WITH something with protein to help you go the distance. And sure, treats are OK once in a while—but not as your daily 'go to' for a boost of energy or to chase your hunger away.
About the author
Anxiety Canada promotes awareness of anxiety disorders and increases access to proven resources. Visit www.anxietycanada.com.
