Do you ever eat when you're not hungry? That is a silly question, isn't it? Most of us are probably guilty of eating for reasons other than hunger; this is often called emotional eating.

Eating only when you're hungry makes sense on an intellectual level but, emotionally, food often represents more than just a mixture of inanimate ingredients. For many individuals, food is a reward for doing something good, a comfort when we're feeling bad or even something to do when we're bored. People often turn to food when they feel stressed, depression, anxiety, anger, boredom, frustration, and loneliness.

The first step to take control is to figure out what triggers the emotional eating mode. Do you eat more at work, due to stress or boredom? For most people emotional eating is such an ingrained habit, they are not even aware they are doing it.

Often times, I hear my friends and some of my family members complain about losing weight, and how difficult it is to stay on a diet. To be honest, being on a diet is the least of your worries, what one must work on is researching the reason why they over eat, and find alternatives to eating.

Exercise helps to relieve stress and anxiety and it generates energy.

Get in touch with someone either near your home or an online support group. Help each other avoid reaching for food, and reach out for each other.

Walk, it's a way to work through mediation and helps you work through problems.

Listen to your favorite music, it can get you moving, or soothe yourself when you are stress out.

Drink some tea- herbal tea can curb unexpected cravings, and fill you up, using honey as substitute can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Yoga, it relaxes your mind and body.

It might surprise you, but many people struggle with this issue. Your best friend, your sister, your relative or neighbor might be struggling and needing a support system. You could start a group and pick one individual or 2 to help each other on the quest to a healthier you!

Why don't you search the stream and see if you can find a support group or a support friend to help you overcome this issue one day at a time? I'm an emotional non eater, when I'm upset or stressed or lonely, I don't eat. I need to figure out how to help myself because both issues can be harmful to both our minds and bodies.

Have a great week!