stress eating

This happens to me all the time. I have found that first I have to admit that I am stressed out. Recognizing that you are stressed out in the first place is key. Then I give my self a time limit. Like say I'm stressed out and I want to eat say some chips and a candy bar. I tell myself to go do something else (laundry, cleaning, watch TV/movie, etc). If at the end of that hour I still want those chips and candy bar then I will let myself have them. Most of the time though I lose that craving and knee jerk reaction to eat because of the stress due to the fact that my mind has been redirected to the task I was/am doing. Mental distraction is really a good way.

You could also try going and doing something that will relax you and maybe take you away from the food. Like taking a walk by yourself to give yourself time to think and process what is really stressing you out. Or take a drive with the radio on and sing a the top of your lungs to a song you like. Who cares of you look silly as long as it works.

I too am a stress and boredom eater. Let me tell you, I am very good at it too! :laugh:

The suggestions above me are great ones and I echo those! Occupy your mind with something fun (because if it isn't fun, then you're going to still be thinking about food). Here's another little thing I do that works but your need to be careful with... If I know I am really craving a bowl of cereal as a nighttime snack but I can't fit it into my calories/macros for the day, I exercise. *poof* I have calories! Now, obviously, I need to watch that I don't abuse this system, but it does get me exercising when I don't necessarily feel like it.