Here are some tips on how to break the cycle of stress and bad eating habits.

DON’T SKIP MEALS
No matter how busy you are, or how urgent something seems, try not to skip a meal altogether. If anything, taking a break from the situation to have a meal will freshen up your mind so that you can come up with new ideas to solve problems. Skipping a main meal only makes hunger and cravings strike back with a vengeance.

HIT THE GYM
Instead of bingeing on fatty foods, release some endorphins by working out at the gym or the swimming pool. It will make you feel great immediately, without the morning-after guilt.

TALK IT OVER WITH SOMEONE
Quite often, we keep to ourselves some the most important or troubling issues in our lives. Research one of the best predictors stress-driven eating in women is the lack of emotional support. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reaching out to a real person is more helpful than a pint of chocolate ice-cream...

SEEK HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES TO SATISFY CRAVINGS
Sometimes it is just as good and possible to fool the brain with something that looks close enough to junk food. It may not work all the time, but it’s worth a shot. For example, when your body says you need a packet of potato chips, you could try having some rice crackers or salted popcorn instead. It just as crispy and salty with only a fraction of the fat you’d find in potato chips. Alternatively, you could try having the real thing but in smaller amounts.

DE-STRESS WITHOUT FOOD
Leave the dirty dishes in the sink, ignore the growing dust balls in that far corner, send the husband off for the much-desired boys-time with his mates. Sit back, relax, turn on your favourite music and read a magazine. If you have the time, go for a massage. Indulge in pleasure and relaxation. Treat yourself in ways that do not involve food.