With all the changes in our lives and the current economic situation, it is harder than ever to lose those unwanted pounds. Whether your body is reacting to psychological or physical stress, your body releases potent hormones. This prompts the body to get a burst of adrenaline along with the response to fight or flee. Typically, we reach for snacks that are not very healthy such as salty, sweet and high-fat foods, which stimulates the brain to release chemicals that reduce tension. Unfortunately, this effect is addicting and prompts us to eat fattening foods when we are under stress or have anxiety.

Some ways to curb this is are by planning for these unfortunate situations and pack healthy snacks that you can reach for in times of high stress. Some healthy snacks include carrot or celery sticks, a handful of peanuts or soy nuts and 8 ounces of a low fat yogurt. Whole grains are also a good choice because they are full of calcium and magnesium, which are body's need on a daily basis.

Yoga or meditation is another great way to reduce stress and it helps you relax after a hectic day. There are a lot of classes that you can take locally, but if you prefer the privacy of your own home, then simply visit your local bookstore. They should have a library of video's to choose from. If you have never done yoga before, I recommend starting out with a beginner tape until you feel you are ready for a more advanced program. There are also some wonderful CD's available to teach you how to meditate and Brain Sync has a large selection to choose from.

If stress is getting the better of you, then try these helpful tips above to start taking back control of your eating habits and start maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle.