Today, when you find yourself reaching for food, STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I physically hungry?” If so, make sure what you are reaching for is what you really want to eat. If it’s not, can you find something else that would hit the spot? If it’s what you want, take a breath. Put the food on a plate. Sit down, and eat consciously, fully tasting and savoring your food.

If the answer to “Am I physically hungry?” is “No.” Take several deep breaths. Ask yourself, “What am I feeling physically? What am I feeling emotionally?” If your body doesn’t need food, what else might it need?

If you are having an uncomfortable emotion, rather than eating, give that feeling some space. Sit down or lie down. Put your hand on your heart. Take 10 long deep breaths. Ask the feeling, “What do you need?” Often, if we listen, our feelings will let us know what they need. Most of the time, our feelings just need to be acknowledged.

Remember that all feelings, comfortable or uncomfortable, will eventually pass. See if you can allow your feelings to run their natural course.