Beat that executive-stress weight gain

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 17

Beat that executive-stress weight gain

Because stress can drive executives into eating to compensate or as a diversion, a knowledge of sound eating practices is as important as good time management. Executive programme co-ordinator, Fleur Lowery, of Weight Watchers, advises, “Sit down and try to figure out which events, people and conditions throw you offbalance and cause you to react by over-eating.” She offers a six-point plan: (1) Make a list. This 1 will help restore your sense of well-being and

control. Realise that you must take care of yourself before you can be useful to others. (2) Keep responsible hours. Consider getting to the office a half hour early. Much can be done in that time with no ringing phones and interruptions. (3) Be absolutely organised. Keep a diary with you at all times. Use one with a long-range calendar as well as a daily and weekly calendar. (4) Know when to say “No.” Don’t take on more than you feel comfortable handling, and be realistic

on your expectations of yourself. (5) Look hard at your experiences. When your body feels stressed, exercise frees pent-up annoyance and frustration. It helps you relax and regular exercise maintains fitness and increases energy. (6) Be selective with your food. Seek dietry advice, read an approved guide or take a course, such as Weight Watchers. This way you can learn to judge the best foods for a balanced eating programme and not reaact to stress by eating the wrong

foods or too much. When choosing a weight loss plan use the following criteria: Is it safe? What will it cost? Is it suitable for the whole family? Will it teach sound longterm eating habits? When you’re caught up in the hectic pace of a busy working day, sound > nutritional eating habits i provide a psychological ; stress cushion. ; Taking good care of i yourself makes you feel pampered and in control. This way you’ll be less i likely to overeat when ; stress intensifies.