Stress eating has become a concern for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, including older adults.

Trapped in the house with a fridge filled with food? While we are practicing social distancing, and reading all things coronavirus, it’s tempting to turn to food for comfort and escape during stressful times, and this applies not just to younger people but to older adults as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress eating, or emotional eating, is a conscious or unconscious effort to suppress or soothe negative emotions. Eating patterns can range from overeating to severe caloric restriction.

People who eat for emotional or stress cravings often gain too much weight. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, this puts people at a greater risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and cancer.

What can we do to curb stress eating?

• Eat healthy meals
• Keep a journal
• Stay connected
• Exercise
• Find other interests
• Seek help if needed

Stress eating is something that many people struggle with on a regular basis, but with the coronavirus, the challenges are real. It might be a bag of chips or a steak, but whatever the food choice, learning how to control it and using moderation is the key.

As the experts in at home care in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, our care professionals can help older adults in a variety of ways to maintain a healthy diet. We can plan and prepare nutritious, appetizing meals, offer the companionship that makes mealtime more enjoyable, provide transportation to doctor and counselor appointments to ensure stress is more effectively managed, and so much more. Contact the aging care team at Life’s at Home Care for a free consultation in the comfort of your home by calling 757-337-5160 or completing our simple online contact form.