My little bit of input...
Try weight training. Muscle mass, as it grows, requires more calories to maintain and you will not, I repeat, will
not, become overly muscular by lifting weights. You will actually seem to gain weight,
but that is because muscle weighs more than fat. Weight training plus stretching, like yoga or regular stretching, is a great regimen, if you care to do it. Some people don't like lifting weights because it can be tedious.
One of the best regimens I tried was
Body-for-LIFE (not to be confused with the Diamonds' Fit for Life). It did not require hours and hours at the gym. In 12 weeks I noticed significant tone and it was easier to follow. Just 20 minutes a day of either aerobic activity alternated with weight training and 1 day of rest and to eat whatever you wanted.
For sweet cravings (from my macrobiotic guru), try a sweet vegetable tea, which you can drink any time of day. It is very balancing and calming to drink. Dice cabbage, onion, carrot, and either dried daikon or winter squash. Boil with 4 times the amount of water for 3 minutes, then simmer for 20. Drain, and drink. You can keep the excess in a thermos and drink it throughout the day.
If you're hypoglycemic, like me, you want to eat foods that do not tighten your pancreas, like baked goods, chips, all that delectable stuff. Whole grains is an excellent food, as it provides complex carbyhydrates and contains natural fats that help you feel full.
I struggle with these things daily, so I can empathize. Continue to be kind to yourself and stay positive and busy. That is the best way to keep your mind off of food. Of course, as far as emotional/stress eating, I can't even FIND my comfort foods here so I'm bouncing off the walls trying to figure out what I can do!!
one more reason I'm a strange duck I guess 
Linear Mode
