Stress affects everyone. According to a WalletHub ranking on 41 key indicators of stress, Kentucky is the eleventh most stressed state in the U.S. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Kentucky ranked fourth. While sources of stress are unique to each person and family, the top sources of stress in Kentucky include health and safety, money, family, and work. During times of stress or crisis, food can provide comfort. Eating in response to negative emotions like anger, sadness, boredom, loneliness, or anxiety is known as emotional eating. Familiar and tasty foods can provide temporary relief from negative emotions, but relief is often temporary and can lead to cycle of overeating, temporary relief, and more negative emotions. Over time, this cycle can be problematic for physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Family and Consumer Science agents indicated their community members were struggling with more emotional eating during the early phases of the pandemic. In response to this need, Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health worked with Senior Extension Associate Emily DeWitt to create two program packages that guide people through strategies to manage stress eating and incorporate mindful eating approaches into everyday life. Each program package includes a step-by-step guide for agents to tailor an interactive 30-to-60-minute workshop for their audience. Program packages include advertisement materials, beautifully designed slide decks that provide visual reinforcements for talking points, and a variety of activities for individuals, small, or large groups. Lessons can be taught standalone or as a series.  

Eleven agents volunteered to pilot test one of the programs in their community, and five were able to gather an audience to test materials in the allotted timeframe. Two agents tested the mindful eating package with a total of 27 people. Agents tested the program with high school students, senior citizens, and a group of adults aged 20 – 60 years that like to try out new Extension programs. Agents enjoyed the variety of activities for different groups. Of the participants surveyed following the program, 55% and 48% indicated they had a better understanding of types of mindless and mindful eating behaviors, respectively, and 48% increased their level of understanding for ways to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives. Additionally, 78% of participants intend to limit distractions that keep them from eating mindfully and 74% intend to incorporate one new mindfulness strategy into their daily routine to create a healthier relationship with food. Participants noted the most important thing from this program they plan to apply to their life is “eating right for my mind and body” and “just taking the time to make smart choices on meals and taking the time to eat and not being rushed in doing so”.

Three agents and a dietetic intern tested the strategies for stress eating package with more than 30 people. Agents tested the program with a men’s parenting group and weight management group. The dietetic intern piloted materials with college students. Agents felt content was timely and the package of materials was easy to implement and ready for use on a larger scale. Of those surveyed following the program, 95% stated they had a better understanding of reasons stress makes it harder to make nutritious choices. Additionally, 85% of participants said they had a better understanding of strategies to manage stress eating and 100% said they intend to apply those strategies during times of stress. Most participants (85%) also indicated they better understood ways to mindfully enjoy comfort foods and 95% intend to do so. Participants noted the most important thing from this program they plan to apply to their life is “take time out when feeling stressed before running to stress eat”. 

Results from pilot testing indicate programs will have positive impact on a variety of audiences from adolescence through older adulthood. Both programs were debuted at the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association State Meeting in Owensboro in May 2022 and are now available for use statewide.