It’s not uncommon to become aggravated or on edge when you start a new diet or workout regiment. Think about it, If you’re a stress eater like I am (er, was) you’re losing that security blanket that comforted you when things got tough.

For people who “stress eat”, food can become an addiction like anything else.

The secret with overcoming any addiction is replacement. Doctor phil’s advice to those looking to break addictions is this:

Remember, you don’t ever break a habit. If you want to get rid of bad behavior, you have to replace it with something positive — something that will make you stronger instead of weaker. Work on identifying positive behaviors that would make good replacements for your addictions. (Via DrPhil.com)

I find that replacing the urge to eat during stressful times, a good replacement is jumping jacks or pushups. (Really, any exercise that releases those good endorphins!) The chemicals released into your body during exercise can help elevate mood.  Isn’t it kind of strange that another weight-loss staple can be used in making your diet easier.

Epigee.com also has an excellent article about Mood and Diet, some steps that they recommend taking are as follows.

• In order to keep your blood sugar steady, eat small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Skipping breakfast will likely mean you’re still hungry at the end of the day, when you should stop eating in order to prepare for sleep.
• Don’t follow any extreme low fat diets. You need some fat to keep your brain working and your mood up. Make sure your diet plan includes healthy, monounsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil and fatty fish, instead of saturated fats, like the kind found in butter and fast foods.
• Make fresh fruits and vegetables a central part of a healthy diet. Getting enough vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C and zinc is essential for your body to manufacture serotonin.
• If you’re feeling low, try eating a meal with a food containing the amino acid tryptophan, such as chicken or turkey breast, or milk. Add a carb to your meal, such as a whole grain roll, to help your body absorb the tryptophan more efficiently.
• Limit your consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
• Don’t follow any diet where you cut out an entire food group, such as the Atkins diet. (via Epigee.com)

Looks like it’s not all that difficult to beat those crankies. Like anything else, it’s just going to take hard work!