Any suggestions for a substitute for chocolate as a stress reliever?

Question

I like to crunch and munch, and really enjoy the taste of chocolate. But with the stress levels, lately, I've been eating it too much. I'm still struggling with trying to lose weight, and now the stress and chocolate cravings aren't helping a bit! Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

Nothing beats walking to clear your head (especially if you can get near nature - a park with lots of trees, for example). If you must have a snack, I'm a big fan of veggies and hummus. I also find a glass of wine extremely relaxing at the end of a long day; however, if you have an addictive personality I would probably try to stay away from alcohol as a stress-reliever...

Answer 2

s*x....it always calms me down, and or puts me to sleep, and I dont know of anybody who stresses in their sleep.  

Answer 3

Eat some bakers chocolate and I'm sure that might stop the craving :)

Answer 4

Buy the sugar free chocolate jello pudding mix and buy skim milk to add to it.

Answer 5

maybe you are craving chocolate because, as a result of your diet in an attempt to lose weight, you have been cutting out too many carbs? when you cut out carbs, your body craves them, and turns to sugary foods, such as chocolate, which contains a lot of carbs, to compensate (unfortunately, large quaintities of sugar and unhealthy saturated fat). try and make sure you aren't cutting out important foods groups in an attempt to shift weight.

also, a really good way to cope with stress is to exercise and keep moving - when you exercise, your body releases a hormone called endorphine, and endorphines naturally make you feel good and relieve stress.

if it is more specifically a sugar craving, try eating an item of fruit (maybe an apple) instead. you might be surprised to find that the sugar from an apple will suffice and quell your craving.

eating healthily, and making sure you are eating enough of the right things (your five-a-day, carbs, and a sufficient intake of protein) also naturally helps you feel happier, as your body benefits from the nutrients you provide it. chocolate and artificual sugars such as only provide a "quick-fix" to stress, but infact, you don't benefit from the long run (your health, weight and happiness). the lack of nutrients (after the initial high) make you feel fatigued, stressed and depressed (your body's way of acting out against lack of sufficient nutrients). people then eat more chocolate to cure that feeling of discontent and it can turn into a massive cycle. so make the changes now and feel the benefits. you can still enjoy chocolate, however, there is no reason why you shouldn't - just in small moderations) as for your diet, don't restrict or try to unnaturally control your intake. Instead of thinking about goin on a diet, think about CHANGING your diet - or, more precisely, your eating habits. listen to your body. eat when you are hungry but stop when you feel satisfied and comfortable (no longer hungry). you'll find you will feel hungry sooner after than usual, but that's fine - eating smaller portions but regularly is much healthier than larger meals fewer times a day - it keeps your metabolism churning throughout the day, virtually like a mini-workout. make sure you drink plenty of water, too. many people don't realise that when they think they are hungry, they are actually infact thirsty. so when you feel hungry, have a glass of water to check that you are infact hungry, and not really just thirsty. water also aids digestion so drink plenty of it (but be prepared to take a few extra visits the bathroom). just remember, it is all about portion size maintainance. when you eat, sip water between every few bites to help you eat slower - eating leisuringly is important as you give your body more time to register whether or not it is full (and register the amount of energy it is taking it - no need to count calories, your body does it itself). lots of people eat too quickly and suddenly feel bloatedly-full ten minutes after their plate is clean (little did they know, half the bowl was sufficient).

as i said, people don't give their bodies much credit - ever noticed that chocolate cake fills you up much quicker? most people will disagree, however, this is simply because they wolf it down so quickly, they only imagine they could eat more cake than anything else. your body starts taking in calories as early as food entering the mouth (about a third of them, when digestion begins). this is how your body measures it's intake. it just knows so don't bother hurting your head trying to count and control calories (they will control your life). eat when you feel hungry, cos only your body really knows when it needs topping up - so enjoy those foods you like, and remember that carbohydrates are not the enemy! getting enough of everything = no cravings (your body doesn't have to compensate!) craving cured! weight loss should not mean "no longer enjoying food", eat stuff you like (buy a good cookbook!) enjoy them, just listen to your body and control portions that way!

exercise = excellent stress maintainance and also healthy living!

Answer 6

CRACK OR MARIJUANA

Answer 7

Carrots, celery or a nice long walk will all give you the same satisfaction without curtailing your diet. Berries will also replace the sugary craving without compromise. Good Luck!