The vast majority of women I work with suffer from some form of stress or emotional eating.

You know what I’m talking about... What starts as a well-planned Monday turns into a chaotic day of meetings, emails, and personal life issues... And before you know it you’ve downed an entire bag of pretzels or an entire container of Ice cream.

It happens to ALL of us, myself included!

Check out my 4 best tips for helping you manage stress/emotions WITHOUT using food as a coping mechanism:

1. MOVE AWAY FROM FOOD. The easiest way to NOT stress eat is to simply not be around the temptations (aka food). Move to a part of your home or office where food isn’t easily available to mindlessly grab.

2. CHEW GUM OR EAT A MINT. These choices trick your mind into believing that you’re eating without actually eating excess food/calories.

3. FIND ANOTHER ACTIVITY TO DO. One of the most effective ways to manage stress is to find another activity (besides eating) that helps you feel better. Write, read, listen to music, go for a walk, draw, meditate... It doesn’t matter WHAT you do, but find a healthier way to process your stress and emotions.

4. LEARN FROM YOUR SETBACKS. Learning to know your triggers for emotional/stress eating is crucial to your success in overcoming it. Begin to notice the emotions/stressors that lead to mindless eating, and come up with a plan that doesn’t involve eating for the next time it happens.