Mood and food

When we're stressed, it's completely normal to have those sinfully sweet or salty food cravings and seek out comfort foods.

That's because our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which signals the brain to seek out rewards – in other words, the 'naughty' foods.

Outsmart those cravings

The next time you suddenly feel a craving coming on, ask yourself if you're really hungry or if you're just feeling sad or stressed out.

More often than not, it's the latter. Once you've determined that you're really not ravenous, you need to nip those blue or tense feelings in the bud, pronto – without food.

Stimulate a feeling of happiness

Distraction is one of the best ways to combat a craving, because what you're really craving is a way to feel better, not the food itself.

Pinpoint what emotion you're feeling

Are you bored, sad, stressed or angry?

Once you know what you're feeling, find an activity that releases it. Something that's going to make you feel happy. For example, if you're bored, pull out your arts and crafts and get creative for an hour. If you're stressed, put on your workout gear and sweat it out. Or, if you're feeling blue, call or visit a friend and chat the problem out.

Recommended reading: Curb your cravings with this time out

1. Prev:Boost your metabolic rate by 30%
2. Next:Quick ‘n easy breakfast hacks for WEIGHT LOSS