Are you an emotional overeater?

‘I make myself drink a large glass of water before I eat anything. Using a straw helps it go down more quickly. I'm sometimes so full I don't want to eat anything. If I’m still hungry, I try to make a healthy choice like fruit.’ --Jennifer

Fill up on something healthy:

‘Keep baby carrots in the fridge and binge on them. If you want something really sweet, keep peeled bananas in the freezer and put them in a blender for a healthy version of ice cream. You'll feel like you splurged, but you haven't.’ --Dorothy

Take time out:

‘I tell myself to wait five or ten minutes before I can have that chocolate bar. By the time I can “officially”” have it, I no longer crave it as much.’ --Jennifer

‘Take five minutes to do some deep breathing, yoga or tai chi. Try to focus only on your breath, or visualise yourself as healthy and curvy and doing an activity you enjoy.’ --Jackiemoveit

‘Put on a pair of walking shoes and go out for a walk or some other type of physical activity. This will take your mind off of eating fattening food.’ --elenaT99

‘Exercise is a great idea. A kickboxing class or some type of high intensity aerobics clears your mind and helps you forget about your craving.’ --Dawn

Write on:

‘Keep a diary. This helps to motivate you towards good food habits. Write down alternatives to eating so when you've had a bad day and want to munch mindlessly you have a list of other things you can do. Make sure they're pleasurable so when you're in the middle of a bad day you'll have something to look forward to.’ --CMJoyce

‘In your diary, talk to your craving. Say anything you like. But let it speak. Ask it questions. Most of the time it just runs out of steam, but the point is to hear it out. The food will quiet it, but allow your craving to be heard and understood.’ --Shay

Pamper yourself:

‘Talk back to that little voice inside your head that whispers "Eat!" and suggest alternatives: do something creative like take a hot bubble bath by candlelight, listen to music or have a small glass of wine, read your favourite book or - although it could be dangerous – go shopping!’ --Kestrel

‘I reward myself with non-food treats that make me happy, like getting my hair done and having regular manicures and pedicures. These things really fulfill me.’ --Ellen