Here's What to Do:

• Check for those stress-overeating triggers and get help from a counselor if you need help assessing your current stress management.
• Prevent the problem from getting worse by integrating physical activity into your daily life. Walk two to three miles a day; it will help calm you down throughout the day and also curb your appetite.
• Get up and get busy. Rip a closet apart, clean your car or consider cleaning something that definitely won't make you want to eat — like your cat's litter box!
• Eat to prevent stress overeating by never skipping meals, and making sure you get that mid-afternoon mini meal-snack in — high quality protein, fat and carbs. How about a cup of soup and a piece of fruit, one-half of a sandwich of whole-wheat pita and chicken or turkey, or yogurt with sliced almonds in it?
• Try to have protein at every meal, as it's satisfying and helps when you feel vulnerable to stress overeating.
• Late-night overeating can be helped with appropriate substitutions, including low-fat energy bars. Jellos and nonfat puddings topped with nonfat whipped topping, or a piece of low-fat cheese and fruit also help.
• Look for things that give you joy — whether it's a painting, a funny book or a treasured paperweight. They can help to calm you down when you're stressed.

In the best of all worlds, it's best to address the stress and learn to stop chewing on it — with healthy food!