5 healthy ways to stop stress eating

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Most people have their own ways of coping with stress, from running or binge-watching television, and even eating. CNN reports that according to Minh-Hai Alex, a registered dietitian and founder of Mindful Nutrition in Seattle, "Stress eating usually happens when we want to disconnect from the moment. It's like changing the channel in our brain to try to change how we feel."

However, if you're looking for ways to kick the habit of reaching for food every single time stress from work or relationships gets you down, here are some things you can keep in mind.

1. Hydrate. Livestrong reports that when your body needs water, it receives mixed signals on hunger, which is why sometimes people eat even if they're not really hungry, and just yearning for a tall glass of water. Keep track of what you drink and make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, because this also contributes to better brain function. You'll know if you're dehydrated, as you'll feel thirst, a sluggish feeling, dizziness, dry eyes and sometimes, even a headache, especially if it's hot.

2. Ditch junk foods entirely. If you're someone whose go-to stress food is junk food, eliminate it from your kitchen and grocery list altogether and swap out healthier alternatives such as fruits. POPSugar also recommends refraining from snacking mindlessly while watching television. If you can't avoid this, however, snack on dried fruits or an apple, as the fiber in it can help you feel full and not reach for anything else, except maybe water.

3. Refrain from chugging down caffeinated drinks, especially soda. Women's Health reports that caffeinated beverages can only worsen your stress response, so go for naturally flavored, fruit and herb-infused water intsead to keep you hydrated, and keep those cravings at bay.

4. Challenge yourself mentally. Alex told CNN that "Stress eating is not the primary problem, but a symptom of unmet needs." It is best to ask yourself 'How do I feel?' and 'What do I really need?', and from there, address these issues. Don't beat up yourself over it, either. Alex recommends to be kind to yourself. She said, "Self-compassion can decrease stress eating. When you're a kind, understanding friend to yourself, it's easier to resist the urge to try to disconnect through stress eating."

5. Be mindful and seek peace. The Huffington Post reports that when people are stressed, the stress hormone cortisol rises. This is the same hormone that can cause weight gain. In order to keep cortisol levels at bay, do deep breathing exercises to destress. Take a moment away from work and be mindful of your habits. Light up some lavender oil in your office lounge or sip on some black or green tea.

According to psychologist and Huffington Post blogger Susan Albers, "Be aware if you're falling into the trap of soothing and comforting yourself with food. That is one of the issues that's leading to your weight gain. For many of my clients, if they can target eliminating stress eating, they can lose weight and feel better. It's a powerful thing for people to tackle."