It seems like the majority of people who are overweight are using food as a crutch. Any time they feel sad, lonely or depressed, they turn to food instead of a friend or family member.

Is that you?

I know it used to be me. It still is on some days.

Food is easy to use as a crutch because it’s always there. Even if you’re scraping the bottom of the peanut butter jar, there’s still a little bit left any time we need it.

The sad thing is, we don’t realize that there are other ways to make us feel better. And those things are usually the things that not only make us feel better, but they make us better physically too.

Let’s taking walking for an example.

If I feel really lonely, I like to go outside and walk around, even if it’s just around the block. Getting outdoors into the fresh air is always invigorating and makes me feel better.

When’s the last time you went for a walk instead of reaching for food when you were unhappy? If it’s been awhile, try it next time. Try it now! Even if it’s cold or wet outside.

You won’t want to. You might have to use every ounce of mental strength you have to get out the door. But once you’re out there, things magically change.

The fact that you even got out the door makes you feel better because you just did something positive for yourself. The farther you go, the better you’ll feel.

If that really isn’t your cup of tea, how about reading a book?

When I feel really bad, I like to delve into a book. It takes my mind off my own problems and keeps me from wanting to eat. By the time I’m done reading, I feel much better.

Many times, the urge to eat will have long passed when you fill that void with something else, like walking or reading.

Calling a friend or family member is also a great way to get past it. I like to call my mom when I need to talk. She understands because she goes through the same thing. Do you have someone that understands that is there for you?

It doesn’t have to be someone really close. You could even join a chat room or forum where there are other people just like you. It really helps to talk to other people who are going through the same thing. You can keep each other accountable and be there for each other.

Whatever you chose, it’s important to have at least a few backup plans when you have those cravings. Brainstorm some ideas right now before that craving hits again.

If you’re literally reaching for that food, before you grab it, think to yourself: “Do I really want to eat this? I know i’ll enjoy it, but it will only last for a few minutes. Is it really worth it for the price that it will cost me?”

If that doesn’t work, you can try what I do. It may not be the best way, but it works for me.

I look in the mirror and focus on the part of my body that I wish I could change the most. And that would be my BUTT. I’ve met my goal weight, but I still need to tighten up and get toned. My bum is flabbier than I want it to be.

So when I really want to eat ten handfuls of chocolate chips, I think about my flabby bum. If my craving is really bad, I’ll go to the mirror and whip my pants down and actually look at it. Trust me, it works!

There really is no end to the amount of things you can try. The important thing is you TRY until you find something that works. Even more importantly, you need to find out the reason behind those cravings. I bet there’s a lot more to that story than you think.