With a newly nipped-in waist and glowing skin, LILY ALLEN looks slimmer and happier than we’ve ever seen her. After years of comfort eating to beat the blues, the singer has kicked her cravings to the curb and has got her diet back on track. A self-confessed emotional eater, she’s not alone in stuffing her face when she’s stressed.

Pals of JESSICA SIMPSON say that the star’s work pressures result in her “eating her feelings”, whilst sweet-toothed CAMERON DIAZ can’t resist raiding the biscuit tin whenever her love life turns sour.

Mood foods
Depressed about the economic outlook? Comfort eating to forget about a lack of cash? Research claims 64 per cent of us are more likely to binge on favourite foods to soothe money worries. When we feel depressed, serotonin levels in the brain don’t function properly, making us crave a quick pick-me-up. Sweet treats like chocolate contain pleasure-producing phenylethylamine, which perk us up for 30 minutes or so, then creates a slump straight afterwards.

Caffeine induces an instant high by raising blood sugar levels, whilst refined carbs create a short-lived release of happy hormones.

Food vs mood

Ready to curb your compulsions? Here’s how to say ‘ciao’ to comfort eating...

1 Anxiety, loneliness and stress are all emotional triggers that can set off a comfort eating binge. So, by identifying your triggers, you can start to deal with the emotions that make you want to stuff your face unnecessarily.

2 Next time you feel blue, grab a pen and paper and write down your feelings and thoughts. This provides a better emotional release, than seeking solace in food.

3 Depriving yourself of your comfort treats can make you feel miserable. Allow yourself small quantities of your fave foods to prevent binges, and make sure you eat several small meals a day to regulate blood sugar levels.

4 Get active. Exercise releases feel-good hormones, which will distract you from scoffing when you’re bored or feeling miserable.

Comfort eating cures

Fight off the blues with these mood- boosting foods

1 Spirulina supplements help regulate blood sugar levels and curb food cravings.

2 Sweet potato is a complex carbohydrate which produces a calming effect to help combat stress.

3 Herbs and spices like cumin, sage and parsley stimulate the production of happy hormone seratonin.

4 Omega-3 fats found in nuts and oily fish like salmon and mackerel are believed to help alleviate depression.

5 Foods rich in Vitamin D, such as dairy produce, can help ward off the blues.