Real ways to handle stressful situations this season (that don't involve downing a pint of ice cream). Ever have a frustrating day at work, a fight with your boyfriend, then end up cozying up with a nice cold pint of chocolate-chip ice cream? (We thought so.) Try this exercise designed by guru Jean Kristeller, Ph.D., cofounder of The Center for Mindful Eating and a professor of psychology at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Once you take a breath and realize that there are other solutions to stress besides rampant snacking, you're on your way to overcoming emotional eating for good. —Paula Derrow
Triggering event: Skipped previous meal
Thoughts: I'm RAVENOUS. Since I didn't eat breakfast, I can pig out at lunch.
Emotions/body sensations: Excessive hunger
Actions: Eating twice as much as usual to make up for the meal you skipped