STRESS AND STICKING TO THE PLAN

Hi buddies. I am undergoing a very stressful period in my life. Professionally everything is topsy turvy and a 5 year long career is coming to an end.....unfairly and unjustly.(It is what it is,as sad as it is. I will get through it) While I have some promising prospects on the horizon, there is a long wait time until I can make a move, and the unforeseen is extremely stressful. I am doing my damnedest to stay on track, but Im getting a case of the "screw its" here and there (as my pepperoni pizza "snack" would prove!! I would love to hear your experiences in staying on when you are stressed out, sometimes to the max. I'm not a drama mama, I'm not looking for soothing, and until now its all been fairly smooth sailing, but I need a little help here. (Okay, if you want to tell me its gonna work out, feel free!!)
Thanks buddies!!

Losing a job, family member, or even a good stress can make a difference how we eat or want to eat...Wish I had some great advice
but all I can do is say..Hoping for the best for you and your future
career to be soon...)

I find when I'm stressed my mind get caught in these loops where I go over the same thing over and over again and this intensifies the feeling of fear, sadness and anger. Exercise or meditation can break that mental loop, at least for a while, and give your mind a rest. As far as the cravings the only thing you can do is try to rationalize them, if you eat that will it make your problems go away? Will it really make you feel better? Or will overeating increase your stress?

I can't give you pointers on how to stay on track when stressed, but if you look at my weight history I can show what happens when you don't. My Mother in Law passed right before I hit my goal weight in 2010 and me and the wife both fell off the wagon. Fortunately I got myself under control after only gaining half of it back. Trust me the second time is a lot harder.

Mike - I am sorry to hear what you are going through. When I am under stress I know it is not a time to force anything strenuous or extreme. As for healthy eating & exercise, I go into what I call my "treading water" mode. I may not go forward but I fight so as not to go underwater either. Best of luck to you.

Sorry to hear about your stressful situation.
I used to be a stress eater and I have recently gone through a stressful period. But this time I knew that chocolate doesn't make it better. It only adds more trouble. Before mindless snacking I asked myself if the snack would truly make me feel better or be nourishing and supportive to my body. If the answer was "No" I was happy not to eat it.
It is important to look after yourself during these difficult times! Don't punish your body!

awesome and diverse tips from you all, and they are much appreciated! Thank you!