I was a huge emotional eater too! It's amazing, while I wa in nursing school, all I wanted to do was eat..It was stress. Then when I would get home, it was the kids and the hubby causing stress! I am learning to recognize these triggers and push through them. I think my body might be allergic to exercise hahahaha

Great idea with the tea! I am on my family leave with my newborn son and I tend to want to eat when I'm bored:/ such a bad habit but sipping on tea must help. It's great that your recognizing fake hunger :)

I can TOTALLY identify with this. I used to eat because it was "there" all the time. If I was going through stress, it would only happen more. You're doing the right thing. Find something to replace those triggers. Tea is a great way. Veggie snacks are also good. Another important lesson is that once you're on the program for a bit, you're more aware of what your portions can be. I've gone out to eat and sort of "separated out" a proper portion on the plate. once I'm done with that, I just stop eating. If my boyfriend is there, I give him the extras cause he eats a billion pounds of food and gains nothing (CURSE HIM! CURSE HIM TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL!). Even Nutrisystem allows Mac & Cheese! It's all about portions. There's no "magic food." :) Also, eat slowly and you'll be more in touch with when you get full.

Also, I'm in NYC TOO! Stay warm! <3
http://projectreroll.blogspot.com

I still struggle after losing my weight 4 years ago with emotional eating. I still think after Lunch I need to have something sweet to take back at the office. Its terrible sometimes. I hear its not good to replace it with something, but Hot Tea and Lemon is a good choice as well as black coffee.
http://www.themotivationalgirl.blogspot.com/p/poison-called-diabetes.html

It's so good to hear that I am not alone, thank you ladies.

@cenandra, I have the SAME issue, I ALWAYS want something sweet after lunch. What gives??? :)

@geekygamegal, I wish I had your boyfriend because my boyfriend eats like a lady! lol, but really. He gets full so quickly. Whenever we go out, he eats half his sandwich and barely touches his side. I'm so jelly.

I found out that ice tea and lemonade is called an Arnold Palmer. I was drinking too much diet coke and found this is a great substitute. I am sure that warm is just as good.