When dieting, stress is added to our daily lives that already encounter stress from work and personal matters, this combination can often lead to a “vicious cycle” of increased stress and increased food intake. When people suffer from stress they will often engage in unhealthy and self-defeating behaviors such as binge eating, and due to their stress they are more likely to put on weight faster than average which we know because of strong biological evidence. “I’m stressed, therefore I eat.” Many people complain that they overeat in response to workplace or personal stress. If this scenario sounds familiar, be sure to review the following tips that will help you manage overeating due to stress and check such an unhealthy habit.

Practice waiting. Be strong when hunger hits and deny yourself instant gratification. Tell yourself you’ll wait 10 to 30, minutes to eat. If in fact your cravings are derived from your stress level, there is a good chance that they will go away when you become distracted by something else.

Take a daily record of everything that you eat. When you go to snack or eat something, you may be stopped simply by the thought that you will have to put it in your journal.

Have an accountable friend – the best scenario is one who also is struggling with stress-related overeating. When you feel like eating, write him/her a quick note or make a phone call.

Keep yourself nourished. Eat regular, healthy snacks to maintain your energy level. Eating irregularly and missing meals while dealing with stress will only make you eat excessively and unhealthily whenever you do decide to eat.

Post some reminder messages wherever you’re likely to see them when stress-related cravings begin. Use any message that works for you. Some good pointers may be “Are you actually hungry right now?” and “Think twice about what you are about to eat!”

Rid your work and home of food that may tempt you. Never go shopping while hungry and always make a list of food items prior to shopping; bring home only what you feel good about eating.

Spend some time with yourself each day. Whether it’s 10 minutes to reflect and relax, or whether it’s some fun activity that will revitalize you, it’s critical to do it. Health is not just physical, mental well-being is just as important, you deserve to mentally de-stress everyday!