I confess, I'm guilty of eating as a means to cope with stress. After a crazy day at work or at school I just want to throw myself on my futon with a stack of chocolate chip cookies and munch myself into oblivion. But it only makes me feel better for that instant when I'm stuffing my face. The guilt creeps in almost immediately, and my constant weight gain because of it is forcing me to find different ways to relieve my stress without food. I'm trying to wrap my mind around exercising when I'm stressed; everyone recommends it, but it's really hard to psych yourself up for a work-out when things are hectic in your life. Does anybody have any suggestions for psyching yourself up for a work-out during a stressful day? Or do you have another way you get over your stress without food?

You know it may not be the best solution but honestly, when I get stressed I clean. i clean anything I can find around the house. Whether it be the whole house or cleaning out a closet, it usually helps me from doing something more self destructive, like eating binges or drinking. I am not a person who handles stress very well but have learned little ways to cope. Some other good ways to deal is to call a friend or physically get out of your house and go do something fun like walk on the beach or spend time with friends and family. Take care and good luck.

I am exactly the same way! I either clean or go for a walk.

I don't think there is any way to psych yourself up for a workout when you're feeling crappy. I'm a stress eater too and I know I want to eat everything, but then just try to remind myself that I can't and head out for a run. Getting that run in doesn't make me feel less stressed than before like it does for some... But at least working out, or running in my case, will keep you from adding onto your stress because you made a good choice about food.