Emotional eating is one of the most common obstacles dieters face. What signals you to eat? Is it stress, happiness or boredom? Perhaps watching TV or a specific time of day? Recognizing and developing strategies to overcome the urge to eat when you aren't hungry will help you gain control of your weight long term.

Here are a few of our favorite tips:

• Decrease visual temptations.
  • Plan ahead and think about what you'll eat for the day and take time to prepare it. Shop from a list and don't shop when you're hungry. Keep problem foods out of sight and healthy ones easy to reach and accessible.
• Control your eating in difficult situations.
  
  • Plan your meal times and know when your next meal will be. If you do eat out of the home, have a few researched spots you know you can grab something on your plan. Avoid danger zones such as your favorite Italian restaurant that makes your favorite high calorie dishes.