Are you an emotional overeater?

'I call a friend for a good heart-to-heart. This helps me get to the bottom of why I'm feeling sad or depressed. It takes my attention away from food and focuses it on myself.' --iVillager

Use your imagination:

'Just imagine you are marooned on a desert island for two months (or however long you are dieting for) and the only food available is fruits and veggies. Even if you do have chocolate ice cream, remember that it is in limited supply and has to last till the ship comes along. This way, even if you feel tempted, you will have to eat very little.' --iVillager

'I pretend I'm someone I admire -- either fictional or real. How would they handle it? Scarlett O'Hara wouldn't let herself pig out on ice cream.' --iVillager

Keep it in perspective:

'As long as you are eating the good stuff daily, it isn't terrible if you eat the crappy stuff once in a while. If your eating habits are poor because you are having several bad days in a row, you need to change your life, not your diet.' --wordsmith99

'No food is illegal, but what's bad is when you eat and your body is not hungry. Remember that supermarkets are open until late and food is all around. There will never be a time when you cannot get to it. So don't feed your soul with things that won't satisfy and leave you hungrier than before.' --Karen

Have fun:

'If it is nice weather and still daylight, go to a park and swing on the swings, or just watch the kids doing it and have fun. And just because you had a bad day at work doesn't mean the rest of the day is shot. Tell yourself - I may have had a bad day up to this point, but I'm not going to let it ruin the rest of my day.' --rhales199

Find out if you are an emotional eater by taking our quiz. Share more tips and dieting experience on the You Can Do It message board. Read more about how to overcome overeating.

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