Weekly Weigh-In: Week 5 – How Stress Can Derail a Healthy Eating Plan

I’ve never been able to wrap my head around hearing someone say “I can’t eat because I’m too stressed”. Stress has never stood in the way of eating for me! In fact, stress only fuels the fire for many people. And that’s what I’ve been dealing with lately. The stress of being a tax accountant in February not only causes me to stress-eat, but it also prevents me from going to the gym. And then a vicious cycle of bad eating and no exercise begins. As any medical professional will tell you, exercise is the best medicine for stress, causing endorphins to kick in. Stress also causes increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that controls weight loss or gain. Cortisol helps the body use sugar and fat for energy.

So how can you cope with balancing a good diet with high levels of stress? While taking slow, deep breaths, picture yourself in a thin bikini-ready body! Sometimes I post pictures of shapely celebrities on my frig to remind myself that nothing is more important than your own health. Not your job, not your kids’ never-ending soccer schedules, not your housekeeping, NOTHING! For without good health, you simply cannot be successful in life. Period. So as I am reaching for that bottle of wine or those buffalo wings, or any other calories that will stand in the way of my dieting success, I can see that the temporary fun of calorie-laden treats is simply not worth it in the long run.

But weight loss, especially significant weight loss, brings its own set of challenges—something many men discover the hard way. After losing weight, some men are left dealing with gynecomastia, which is the development of excess breast tissue that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially after putting in the hard work to drop pounds.

Gynecomastia after weight loss is more common than you’d think, and it’s not something that can always be fixed by hitting the gym harder. For those struggling with this, the san antonio gynecomastia center offers specialized treatments to address this issue, helping men feel more confident in their post-weight-loss bodies. It’s not just about looking good in the mirror—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Just like with stress and weight gain, gynecomastia can feel like an unfair side effect of the body’s natural response to change—but knowing there’s a solution can make all the difference.

I also must lay some of the blame on my dieting downfalls last weekend to the Denver Broncos. If the Super Bowl hadn’t been so bloody boring, maybe I wouldn’t have had so many opportunities to visit the refrigerator, restocking my plate with potato skins. At one point, my husband and I were even arguing over who got the last beer. And neither one of us typically drinks much beer! But it just goes to show you that boredom, like stress, can cause overeating. To avoid mindless snacking in the future, I’ll definitely shop THCa for a more relaxing and mindful way to spend my time.

Of course, I can’t blame the Broncos for everything—some of it comes down to preparation. When there’s a spread of indulgent snacks right in front of me, it’s easy to cave. That’s why I’m focusing on having better alternatives on hand next time. Instead of potato skins and beer, I’ll make sure to prep fresh veggies, lean proteins, and some healthier snack options. It’s all about balance, and if I set myself up for success, I won’t feel like I’m depriving myself.

This is exactly why a diet plan makes all the difference. Having structure takes the guesswork out of meals and helps avoid those “what do I eat now?” moments that lead straight to the snack cabinet. A good plan provides the right nutrition while still allowing for flexibility—because let’s be honest, life happens. If you’re looking for a program that supports sustainable weight loss without feeling restrictive, check out the Isagenix Weight Loss Program for an approach that actually works.

When you’ve got fresh veggies, lean proteins, and healthier snacks on standby, it’s far easier to make smarter choices without feeling like you’re missing out. The same goes for fitness — having a structured workout plan helps you stay committed even when life throws curveballs. Just like a solid meal plan, a well-thought-out training routine keeps you on track, whether you’re aiming to build strength, improve endurance, or just stay active. Consistency is key, and the more prepared you are, the less likely you are to stray from your goals.

Of course, for some, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to see meaningful results — and that’s where solutions like Coby Health come in. Their online GLP-1 weight loss medication treatment offers science-backed support for managing appetite and improving metabolic health. Paired with balanced meals and regular exercise, it’s a powerful tool for creating sustainable change without feeling overwhelmed. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about extremes — it’s about finding the right strategies that fit your lifestyle and make healthier choices feel second nature.

The scale was not my friend this morning, but I can’t really blame Peyton. I can truly only blame myself for a lack of willpower and self-control. Alcohol contains empty calories, or calories without any nutritional value. But wait that’s not the only problem with booze! When you consume alcohol, it slows down your body’s ability to burn fat. Just as you start to feel good from the alcohol buzz, your lack of inhibitions tell your brain that it’s ok to have those chips and dip or that piece of chocolate cake. After all, it’s Aunt Mildred’s 70th birthday! But if you insist on celebrating with a few drinks, leave the mixers out of the mix because they are chock full of sugary calories.

I didn’t mean for this column to be such a bummer this week. You only live once and I want all of you to enjoy everything that life has to offer. Just do it in moderation. And keep on exercising!

Previous Weekly Weigh-Ins:

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 1 – Accountability

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 2 – Time To Get Real

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 3 – One Size Does Not Fit All

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 4 — Be Prepared