Emotional Shopping, Eating.

We cannot and should not go grocery shopping when feeling hungry or blue. We tend to make really unwise food choices. The quality of food goes down and consumption usually goes up.

Research shows that people often do get a high from shopping -- the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine or serotonin when a person is stimulated by discovering something new.

For the consumer, this serves as an important reminder that the highs from emotional shopping don't last very long -- but extra weight and credit-card bills do.

Mindful eating is the paradoxical concept that eating just a few mouthfuls can savor the experience. It sounds so simple, but it takes discipline and practice. It's a far cry from the mindless way many of us eat while walking, working or watching TV, stopping only when the plate is clean or the show is over.

The approach, which has roots in Buddhism, is being studied at several academic medical centers and the National Institutes of Health as a way to combat eating disorders.

One key aspect is to approach food nonjudgmentally. Many people bring a host of negative emotions to the table -- from guilt about blowing a diet to childhood fears of deprivation or wastefulness. Here are some tips:

· Assess how hungry you are.
· Eat slowly; savor your food.
· Take time to appreciate the food on your plate.
· Notice the colors and textures of your food.
· Put your fork down and breathe between bites.
· Notice taste satiety.
· Check back on your hunger level.
· Stop when you start to feel full.