Eat a balanced diet. If you're not getting enough calories to meet your energy needs, you

Some foods may have seemingly addictive qualities. For example, when you eat palatable foods, such as chocolate, your body releases trace amounts of mood- and satisfaction-elevating opiates. That "reward" may reinforce a preference for foods that are most closely associated with specific feelings. R

Sometimes the strongest longings for food happen when you're at your weakest point emotionally. Many people turn to food for comfort - consciously or unconsciously - when they're facing a difficult problem or looking to keep themselves occupied. But emotional eating - eating as a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, anxiety, boredom, sadness and loneliness - can sabotage your weight-loss efforts.