We all do it from time to time… Eat something we really didn’t want to eat in order avoid boredom, alleviate stress or to get through a difficult moment (or situation).

When we do this, it’s important to realize we’re not eating to satisfy our hunger, but to feed our anxiety (which can result in a psychological desire for food). Of course, too much food can result in too much of us – which can then lead to even more anxiety.

And even though we’re all fabulous (even in this very moment), we want to keep fitting into our skinny jeans. So next time you hit a food mood that really isn’t about hunger and is more about escapism, try one of these substitutes to get through the moment instead:

• Drink a glass of lemon water

• Listen to a favorite song or create a new iPod playlist for your next workout

• Pick up a copy of your favorite magazine

• Find a rerun of a favorite sitcom on TV

• Write a snail mail letter to a long-lost friend

• Take a relaxing bath (with candlelight!)

• Commit to learning a foreign language

• Take a walk (a power walk that makes you sweat!)

• Scan old photographs into your computer so that you have digital files and can create a slide show as a “digital photo album” that you can share with others

Getting through the tough moments of wanting to eat something that could wreck our health-oriented goals can lead to a real feeling of success. Start stacking these ‘momentary successes’ on top of one another and soon you cannot be stopped – no matter what your goals are in life (health-related or otherwise).

One small moment + one small triumph = one heck of an incredible you.

What are your ideas for doing something positive rather than succumbing to a binge or eating something you’d rather not? Share them here so we can all benefit!