Many of us are happy to suddenly shed some pounds after the holidays, but unexpected weight-loss can have devastating effects on your overall health. Especially during a divorce, most infamously known as the “Divorce Diet.” While you may welcome a few less pounds, these losses are usually the result of too much stress and brought on by skipping meals or poor nutrition during a difficult time.
Many people going through a divorce say they feel so stressed out that they do not have a desire to eat or often simply forget to sit down for routine meals. The taste of food may make them gag and the idea of cooking a healthy meal can feel overwhelming. This involuntary starvation only adds to your stress levels and impairs your ability to concentrate and make the best decisions. Good decision-making ability during a divorce is more important than ever as you want to begin your new life as a single person or single parent on the best foot possible. Here are some healthy ways to cope with this added stress and ensure that you do not fall into the ‘Divorce Diet’ trap.
Do Not Neglect Medical and/or Psychological Care
If you normally have doctor or therapy appointments, it is important that you make time to keep them. The stress of a divorce can cause any person to neglect their usual self-care routines. Insomnia is often a side-effect of divorce and combining that with a decreased appetite may cause depression. Your medical or mental-health professional can help ensure that your body is functioning properly, and the path ahead will feel much more manageable when you are operating efficiently.
Eat Frequent, Small Meals
If the thought of food makes you feel nauseous or stressed, it is understandable to skip meals. Instead, you should opt to take in smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Smaller meals are less daunting to prepare and will ensure your body is receiving the sustenance it needs. Stock your kitchen with healthy items such as nuts, cheese sticks, hummus, yogurt, and vegetables that are easy to snack on. Try to eat something every few hours, even if you don’t feel hungry. Simple grab-and-go foods are easy to digest and keep your mind and body sharp.
Ensure Your Coping in Healthy Ways
Divorce brings a lot of challenging feelings and a wide range of emotions. While there is nothing wrong with spending the occasional night at home binge-watching your favorite show, but routinely seeking solace in isolation can inhibit your ability to stay on task with your family and work obligations. Also, avoid spending hours on social media and find constructive ways to engage emotionally. Developing new hobbies or exercising routinely can help boost your endorphins naturally while also sending signals to your body when it is time to eat.
Do Not Allow the Divorce to Deplete Your Energy
Any weight you lose from meal skipping will most likely reappear, and often be accompanied by even more unwanted pounds once the stress of this life transition has passed. When you visit the grocery store be sure to grab some nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit or even pre-packaged protein bars so that you have a healthy supply of food on hand at all times. Eating consistently and properly will be a huge help as you navigate the stress of divorce, but it will provide the energy you need to manage it.
Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal. As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.
Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2021, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40. He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com. Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.
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