Is there an explanation of why I am so insatiable during the exam weeks (and a few days before)? Anyone else have the same problem?

[Anonymous]

I always baloon up during the exam weeks. The cravings for carbs and sweets are so bad, and no matter how much I eat, I'm never full. It's just like a few days before my period, but usually, when my period starts the cravings stop and my tummy will feel too uncomfortable for me to want to eat much. But during the exam weeks the cravings never stop, for.. like... 3-4 weeks. HELPPPPPP!!! I could eat 2 Pizzas in 1 day plus popcorn plus lots of chocolate and not feel sick! OMG!!! T-T

[HandsomeRaj]

When stressed and/or excited it's a common thing to crave for foods that are fattening especially. Such foods that we crave for in such a state of mind are known as 'comfort foods'

In a study, researchers determined that 24 hours after activation of the chronic stress system -- which stimulates a flood of hormonal signaling from the hypothalamus to the adrenal glands -- glucocorticoids prompt you to engage in pleasure-seeking behaviors, which include eating high-energy foods (sucrose and lard). You develop abdominal obesity, and the negative aspects of the chronic stress response system, otherwise ushered in by the glucocorticoids, are blunted. The researchers suspect that the metabolic signal to inhibit the stress system comes directly from fat depots.

The finding offers an explanation into how chronic stress can be inhibited, or curbed. While the body's acute response to stress -- say to being cut off in traffic by a speeding car -- diminishes through a naturally occurring inhibitory feedback mechanism of the adrenal stress system, its chronic response to stress -- in which a barrage of threats, scares or frustrations occur over days, weeks or months -- becomes chronically excited. Over time, the elevated stress level can initiate a host of deleterious effects on the body -- a loss or gain of weight, depression, obesity (associated with type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke), and a loss of brain tissue.

(above 2 paragraphs recreated from an article I searched on this topic) :)

[Asker]

What? Loss of brain tissue? Nooo I need all my brain cells!!!

Ah ok thanks for your research and explanation! Do you know a way to curb the cravings? Even smoking doesn't help at all, when it usually does :( I'm so sad... All the weight I've lost through hard work will now come back :(

[HandsomeRaj]

Smoking NEVER helps - ask me :D it's just that we turn to it cause we are used to it :)

The best way is to be motivated. I get those cravings too when stressed and so do lots of people but finding something that motivates you like for me it's working out, sex, being on GAG, the best is being with my daughter etc :)

[HandsomeRaj]

Always remember and bear in mind (I do) that the body is temple of the soul. A good body has & persona many advantages even and especially at work :D that is motivation enough to maintain it for me :D

[Asker]

That's the thing. I have nothing that motivates me. I'm depressed and don't want to live anyway. Nothing makes me feel happy anymore. I have no one in my life that makes me feel happy.

[HandsomeRaj]

WHY do you need anyone in your life to make you happy or motivate you to live?

The idea is if you can't love yourself then you are incapable of loving another - FACT! :)

What you are doing even if you don't realize it young lady is sinking into self pity. Please wake up and get moving :)

You are concerned about putting on weight and losing brain cells aren't you? Then why is not maintaining your weight & health a motivating factor? It is for me :)

[Asker]

I am trying to better myself, but sometimes it's hard to keep on motivating yourself when you don't seem to go forward. And that's when motivation from other people's would be very welcomed. Without that, I'd give up easily. Because I already think life is not worth fighting for anyway. Too much work, and very little to no rewards at all. At least in my life. Other people might have it differently. I have no one to love, and also feel unloved, that's also part of the whole no rewards thing. There's just nothing in my daily life that brings me happiness.

[HandsomeRaj]

You experience, think & feel the same way I felt since childhood till 12/13 years of age :). Though what I notice stayed the same, my thinking and outlook changed. ESSENTIAL if you are to be on top, to survive, to succeed :)

You have a lot of time to go in life young lady, change the way you think, the way you perceive, your outlook & the world will change around you :)

The world is simply how we perceive it to be. Yes certain facts are undeniable but for each of us certain things work, some don't. We need to identify what works for us and that begins with knowledge and confidence.

My life is similar to what you mention but even out here check my opinions etc, you won't find yourself lurking inside ;) CHANGE girl, get knowledge, be aggressive, be assertive, confident - CHANGE and the world around will change :)

[mario1321]

Its your nerves, just listen too your body.