According to Dr. Rossi, in The 20-Minute Break, there are 4 types of overeaters. See if you recognize yourself.

1. Stress Overeater You overeat and oversnack at any time of the day in direct response to the stresses of everyday life.

Solution: Recognize your stress limits and learn how to say no before you reach them. Break the stress syndrome by taking breaks, which will help you gain perspective on those situations you need to cope with more creatively.

2. Fatigue Overeater In a futile effort to overcome stress and fatigue, you snack almost continuously after 3:00 or 4:00 P.M., even after a full meal, until bedtime.

Solution: Pace yourself better throughout the day with several breaks and a midafternoon rest to avoid fatigue buildup. Check in with yourself many times during the day so that you are aware of when you need to start restoring your energy level.

3. Addictive Overeater You are a cyclic overeater or drinker who regularly consumes addictive substances, such as caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, soda) or alcohol. You may also use sugary foods for their mood altering effects to stave off depression.

Solution: Study the patterns of your addictive behavior. How long is it between when you indulge and when you need another fix? When you have the urge for these substances, use the 20-Minute Break to rejuvenate yourself.

4. Escapist Overeater You often eat alone in an effort to escape unpleasant realities that you dont know how to cope with.

Solution: Use the time that you would be eating as an escape to make an inventory of your life and what you are using food for. What is it you want to escape from?

Remember, its not food that is the problem.

Its what we use food for.