Lately I've been trying to two things to deal with cravings. They both have to deal with journal writing. When I am vigilant in keeping my food journal, I am more accountable to myself about what I eat. I know I'm going to have to write it down and somehow that makes me want to eat better. Second, I try to get in touch with whatever I'm feeling that makes me crave food. If I'm afraid or lonely, sad or empty, bored or restless, I try to write about it what I'm feeling, try to talk to someone and think of ways to address my feelings instead of comforting myself with food. I know it's only a temporary balm that won't actually address the issue, but will only make me feel good temporarily and later feel really bad as way weight escalates and my health plummets. I remind myself that each choice will get a result. For me it's life or death. It's a lot of self talk, but I think it helps. And then if all else fails, I run out of the house and go window shopping! 

I don't know if you're into crafty type things, but I recently took up crocheting to help keep my hands busy. I notice that I crave food when I'm bored or I'll mindlessly snack when watching television so instead I grab my ball of yarn and work on a crochet project. It's something that's fun, simple and you end up with something pretty when you finish! :D

I, too, am over coming an extreme comfort food addiction.

Who can turn down a run to McDonalds after a stressful work day?!... haha

That was my life... binge eating whatever I could find or making insane random trips to the store to satisfy a craving.

I've stuck to the Slim-Fast diet for a week now and over came many obstacles along the way!

My husband is a thin little junk food junkie... totally not fair that he can eat whatever he wants and stay so darn in shape!!

So while he's munching away on Oreos or Cookies, I'll make myself a salad or a snack to substitute the feeling.

I also recommend two glasses of water before every meal and snack.

Add more fiber to your diet as well.

Once you can kick sugars, carbs, and salts out of your diet for a certain period of time you will no longer have that "addiction" to the food.

GOOD LUCK! I'm right there with you!!

I've noticed watching less TV, keeping very busy at work, and staying active will keep my mind off of it... Boredum is the enemy!

This is by no means a clinical suggestion, but I will share what works for me when I get stressed and start to crave "comfort" food.

I find that I need to distract myself so I get my mind off the craving.  I would normally go into the garage and work on some unfinished project or work in the yard.  Since it is winter time, the garage and outdoor activity is not an ideal option.  Since I am confined to the inside, I look to do those things that I have been putting off.  Basically if I distract myself with some type of activity, I can fight through the craving.  Additionally I have found that drinking plenty of water has helped.  Although the cravings still come, they are far less severe if I have been keeping myself hydrated.

I hope this at least gave you some ideas on how to fight the stress cravings.

All the best,

M 

Does anyone have any ideas on how to stop stress cravings?