Strategies for emotional eating

As you have probably gathered if you read my blog regularly, I'm a self-confessed emotional eater. I have a few strategies that help - not all of the time but some of the time. However, sometimes I think it's OK to just let go - even thin people eat [i]some[/i] chocolate and crisps!

1. Keep a packet of soft mints and have one or two when needed (about 10 calories each). I know it's not the same as eating chocolate but it puts a nice sweet taste in your mouth which often does the trick for me. Because you can chew and suck these they can be eaten while on the puree stage or after a fill.

2. Keep a bar of chocolate in the house - under lock and key by your other half! When you're in need, get him/her to bring you a couple of squares.

3. Have a low fat hot chocolate (40 calories) - or something similar.

4. Have a 'healthy' naughty snack - such as dark chocolate which has less calories, less fat and is less addictive. Or get some low fat crisps, or make up a great big fat sandwich mainly filled with salad but with the tinest slither of cheese.

5. Get some low fat biscuits that you don't like very much - they'll provide a sugar boost and some 'comfort' when you need it - but since you don't really like them you won't be picking them through the day! I use Rich Tea.....

6. Some of the high protein drinks that you can have while on purees or post-fill are very filling and although not fatty, they can trick your mind into thinking you're drinking a nice McD shake or something like ice cream....

Hope that helps someone out there!