8 steps to de-stress your diet

1. Recognize that being stressed is normal. Talk about the stress with family and friends.
2. Know that the economy is out of your hands. Focus on what you can control.
3. Find healthier ways to soothe yourself. Some people go for a walk. Others work on a hobby.
4. If you are at home because of a layoff, make sure you are not eating in front of the television or computer. Eat at the table at the times you are supposed to eat.
5. Don’t make food your social outlet. Meet friends at a park or go see a movie.
6. Substitute healthier food for the bad stuff. If you need to eat something crunchy, try carrot sticks.
7. If you feel a craving coming on, practice deep breathing. Once you slow down your breathing, your blood pressure will drop and you will decrease production of stress hormones.
8. Don’t deprive yourself. Sometimes the answer is a little bit of ice cream.