I work at home and just can't control my constant snacking. It's making me miserable. Can you help?

Often, we grab a bag of Doritos, a handful of M&Ms, or even a "nutrition" bar because we hunger for something else - maybe energy, a break, a sense of comfort, or relief from some kind of emotional or physical distress. We use food as a pacifier or an escape. We’re hungry for a different experience from whatever we’re currently having. Essentially, we want pleasure instead of pain. And Oreos or Ben & Jerrys offer us that instant fix.

I suggest keeping a Food and Feeling Diary for three days to study the feelings, thoughts, and sensations that occur before and after you eat. Now, in a mindful way, take time to study your eating patterns in this diary to learn what triggers your eating in these moments — and what you really want that ultimately food can’t supply. Then explore other ways to meet those needs in a way that serves your best interests.