How to NOT Gain Weight After a Breakup

In the January issue of Marie Claire, Katy Perry opened up about how she dealt with her emotional breakup with Russell Brand. “There were two weeks of my life after I found out the truth of my marriage where I was like, ‘OK. All right. I can’t feel this. This is too intense right now.’ I was, like, just eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and drinking, and that’s it…”

Katy’s reaction is totally understandable, not to mention normal—a lot of women turn to food during tough times. And when you have bigger things going on, beating yourself up about having a little more ice cream than normal definitely isn’t worth it. But if you're going through a breakup and this is something you're worried about succumbing to, here are some tips for how to avoid turning to food for comfort—and how to use other, more constructive coping methods instead:

Be Aware of Your Actions
It sounds simple, but just knowing that you have a tendency to reach for certain snack foods when you’re going through a difficult period can help, says Christie Hartman, Ph.D., a dating and relationship expert based in Colorado. If you know you find solace in Cheetos, like Katy, make a rule to not bring them into your house or apartment in the first place. That way, you’re not even introducing them as a temptation, which makes it a whole lot easier to resist them when you’re feeling down, says Hartman.  

MORE: The Secret to Outsmarting Temptation

Talk It Out
When you take the time to verbally process your emotions—whether you’re talking to a friend, a family member, or a therapist—you may find that you’re less likely to feel the need to eat crap to feel better, says Hartman. That doesn’t mean you’ll need to see a therapist forever—going for just a couple sessions right when you’re mid-crisis can be a huge help.

MORE: How to Find a Good Therapist

Find an Activity That Makes You Feel Good
This one’s tricky because there’s no one universal activity that lifts everyone’s spirits—it’s different for everyone. Some people watch funny movies to feel better; others listen to uplifting or soulful music. Still others turn to running when they need a pick-me-up. The point is, doing some activity that makes you feel good will comfort you—so you’re much less likely to seek out that comfort in food.

MORE: The 4 Biggest Breakup Mistakes 

1. Prev:How Your Horoscope Can Affect Your Weight (Seriously!)
2. Next:Kim Kardashian Diet