The strongest craves for food occur when people are emotionally sensitive. Consciously or not, some people eat more when they face a difficult problem, have no occupation, or need comfort.

Others use food to suppress negative emotions. Emotional eating may be caused by anger, loneliness, stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom and may affect individual`s weight loss program. Emotional eating makes people eat too much high-calorie food or salty, fatty, or sweet foods.

Overeating may be caused by major life events such as health problems, divorce, or unemployment. The stress from work, changes in the routine, the bad weather, or other daily life hassles can make people eat more.

The addictive qualities of some foods make people eat when they feel blue. For instance, chocolate makes the body release considerable amounts of opiates that increase mood and satisfaction. This may lead to a preference for foods that offsets negative emotions.

Food may become a distraction when one remembers an earlier conflict or worries about an upcoming event. This distraction is only temporary because while one eats, it concentrates on the taste of the food. After finishing eating, one return to his or her worries, and may also feel guilty for overeating.

Food cravings may be controlled, when one recognizes whether the hunger is physical or emotional. The craving will pass if the last meal was a few hours ago and the stomach does not rumble.

Write down for a few days the food, the amount of food, the meal time, and the feelings before and after the after the meal. The negative eating patterns and triggers that must be avoided will be noticed.

Overeating may be caused by the lack of comfort, so go to a movie, read, call a friend, or do something enjoyable instead of eating. Going for a walk, listening to music, or talking to someone may also help.

High-calorie foods should not be kept around. Don`t go for shopping if feel hungry or upset, so that decisions at the store are not influenced by feelings. The snack should be a healthy one. Choose low-calorie and low fat food, like fruits, vegetables, fat-free dip, or popcorn.

Eat regular meals and enough to satisfy daily energy needs. Fighting stress is more efficient when the body is in shape and well rested, so regular exercise and plenty of sleep help.

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