Whether the trigger is stress, loneliness, or even excitement, eating can have the power to sooth emotions. Some foods, like chocolate, tap into our biology by causing the release of mood-elevating hormones. Others can be a temporary distraction from upsetting thoughts. Do any of these signs of emotional eating control your eating habits? -You have sudden hunger pangs that you want to satisfy immediately -and not just immediately, but with a certain food like ice cream -Even once your stomach is stuffed, you keep eating because the emotions haven’t left. Sound familiar? Try these approaches to avoid unconscious indulgin 47-Find something to do for 5 minutes – anything besides eating – and you may find yourself an hour later wondering where that urge went -Make sure the rest of your diet is well-balanced so you’re less likely to give into sudden cravings But when you do… Sometimes the best approach is to give yourself a break. Enjoy a small portion, and then praise yourself for the effort you’re putting into making healthier eating decisions.