Snacking when stressing....

I've been slowing down with my weight loss as I near my goal, started a new job(took a pay cut), miss my BF serving in the Peace Corps in Africa, AND snacking while stressing :/. Today was really tough...I took many small bites ALL day long. I'm so worried about things!! I know I can't lose my focus! I just need some advice and support. So, I decided to log in and confess my shortcomings on this journey! 

I majorly stress ate for the first time since surgery yesterday... I came clean with a few people because hiding things and shame was the old way, and i can't afford that. I don't really have any answers except to say you are not alone and tomorrow is a new day.

I just yesterday posted about this in VSG forum.  I'm a stress eater also and have had a great handle on it until a recent death.  I went off the reservation for a couple of days but I'm back on track now.  I try to make sure I only have access to good foods.  Also, I eat two bunches of raw celery per week.  If I feel like I need something and I am not due or a meal or snack, I eat a couple of stalks.  The other thing I do is walk when stressed...it takes my ming off whats stressing me and burns a couple of calories along the way.  I know its hard but you can do it, I know this because I usually do and a lot of other people on here do it to!  Good luck!

Ok I have the opposite problem.  When I am stressed out I lose my appetite.  BUT...I eat when I am content.  Meaning when I am cozy reading a book or watching TV...OH I WANT TO SNACK. 

My rule is if I'm going to snack I make it healthy. Apples, raspberries...that kind of thing.  If I really want to be bad I will add peanut butter or whip cream.  But I premeasure it, so I don't over do it.  I mean an apple with 2 tbsp. of peanut butter is better than a dozen Oreos or a bag of chips.  But I still have to be careful I can't make this a daily occurrence. 

Also I instituted a cheat day once a month where I can have a guilty pleasure without feeling any guilty.  When I feel myself wanting to eat something I shouldn't I tell myself...wait until your cheat day.  For me having something to look forward to helps me not stray.  My last cheat day I had a nice slice of cheesecake.       

Logging your food and being accountable is super helpful! You've got this!

I agree that keeping "bad" snack food in your pantry is a bad idea. I keep carrots and FF ranch dressing around, plus high-protein snacks like string cheese and boiled eggs. Lots of SF drinks too, since having something to drink often helps as well!

These are great hints and I would only add try to find a hobby you enjoy or something to do that will keep your hands busy. I recently bought myself some color  books and colored pencils and was amazed at how relaxing and busy it kept me. I also knit and crochet and do puzzle books. Just anything that will keep your mind and hands busy or go for a walk so there is no food around. All of these things are very relaxing and that is what you need when stressed especially when there is nothing you can do to change the source of the stress. Then you have to learn to let it go and focus on other things.

I'm also a stress eater, and it can be really hard.  The last month or so has been very stressful for me, and I've been up and down with my eating.  What seems to help me is:

1. Go public - like what you did with this post.  I find that I'm more likely to make good decisions (even when I'm stressed) if I tell others about my struggling.  I find it helps to hold me accountable.

2. Log everything.  If I'm snacking on crap, at the end of the day I look at that log, and it makes for a good wake-up call.  It also helps to see how those "little bites" add up to quite a few calories.

3. Keep busy.  Especially when you're home and your boyfriend can't be with you, try to keep yourself occupied.  Our house is cleaner than it's been in a long time because it kept me busy.  I'm getting ready to start some summer classes, so I'll be busy that way.  This could be a good time to start some sort of hobby (if you don't already have one).

Hang in there, and you'll make it.