4 Proven Ways to Stop Stress Eating

It's common to respond to stress by distracting yourself with your favorite comfort foods. But now that you're following the South Beach Diet lifestyle, you know that turning to common comfort foods (processed chips, white potatoes, sugary sweets, etc.) may cause swings in your blood sugar that could cause cravings and lead to weight gain. Here are some healthier ways to cope:

1. Stick with the program. If you follow the guidelines set forth by the South Beach Diet, you'll be less likely to have cravings and, as a result, you'll be less likely to turn to food when you face stress. Plus, snacks are encouraged on the plan, so you won't feel deprived.
   
2. Keep your hands busy. Find something else to do with your hands besides eat. Keep the daily crossword nearby, knock off some chores, or distract yourself by calling your friends or family. (Don't use the kitchen phone!)
   
3. Be ready for stress snack-attacks. It's worth repeating that snacks are encouraged on the South Beach Diet, so keep the right foods on hand. Make sure you've got a supply of crunchy vegetables like celery sticks, green and red pepper strips, cauliflower buds, and broccoli florets — you can even cut them up and stash them in resealable bags in your veggie drawer. Feel the urge to dip? Try hummus or eggplant dip, or a bit of spreadable, low-fat cheese (six grams of fat or less per ounce). Also, stock your cupboards and desk drawers with nonperishable South Beach Diet–friendly items like nuts; high-fiber, whole-grain crackers and cereals; dried apricots; and even cans or pouches of water-packed tuna.
   
4. Work out. Exercise is not only a great way to stay fit and manage your weight, it's also a fantastic stress reliever. If going to the gym isn't your thing, clear your mind with a brisk walk around the neighborhood. 

Copyright © 2010 Waterfront Media, Inc.

http://www.southbeachdiet.com/sbd/publicsite/dailydish/dd_20090511.aspx 

Are You Stretching the Right Way?

Are You Stretching the Right Way?

At end of the day, how does your body feel? Does your back ache or your neck feel stiff and sore? Do you notice little twinges when you do something as simple as bend to tie your shoes? Be honest — when was the last time you felt flexible rather than stiff? Unless you stretch or do yoga regularly, you've probably noticed that you're not as flexible as you used to be. While most of us neglect stretching, doing it regularly can help you prevent injury, promote your flexibility, and maintain your range of motion; stretching also serves as a great relaxation tool. This week, make time in your fitness routine for stretching.

As we grow older, we tend to lose some flexibility, which makes us more likely to suffer an injury — 80 percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. A stretching program can help prevent common injuries and improve overall flexibility; one study showed that people who stretched for 30 seconds per muscle group each day increased their range of motion significantly in just a few weeks.

Taking just a few minutes to stretch several times a week can pay off in the way you feel throughout the day. Perform simple stretches for the various muscle groups in your arms (triceps, biceps, shoulders), legs (hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, inner thighs), and even your chest and neck.

It's best to stretch after you warm up or after you've finished your exercise — it's easier and more effective to stretch with warmed, loose muscles. Stretching when your muscles are cold and stiff, however, may make an injury more likely. One easy way to incorporate stretching into your routine is to make it part of your cooldown.