Succumbing to my comfort foods

Before I moved to Texas, I was living in the UK, and a vegetarian. The combination of these two things meant that I rarely had access to my favorite foods from growing up. Stuff like hamburgers, hot dogs, or ice cream that didn't taste like sugar-free paste -- essentially, my comfort foods.

These days, however, it's a different story. I've returned to a country that knows how to make decent ice cream, and my vegetarianism has relented to the wonderful smell of good 'ol Texas barbecue. Now, when I'm angry, upset, or just need a little comfort, I eat.

Unfortunately, this emotional eating has had a seriously negative effect on my waistline -- which, ironically, just makes me feel worse! I've started exercising, which helps, but if I'm serious about losing those inches I have to find different way to cope.

Here's four tips that I'm using to get started -- some practical, straightforward alternatives to eating when I'm angry, or feeling down. But what about you? What ways have you found to work through your emotions without turning to food?