If you're super busy, your hectic life may lead to being overweight.

How is a busy lifestyle connected with emotional eating and overeating?

There are lots of ways. First, we become nervous that eating healthy will require time (more time than we have). We react to this by not even trying, by going out to eat, and by grabbing food on the run. I know that I end up eating more carbs (think, frozen pizza) when I'm crazy busy.

Second, when were rushed we dont pay full attention to what we're eating. This is why people who eat on the go or while doing work or watching TV tend to eat more.

Did you know that normal weight people underestimate what they eat by 30%? And people who are overweight underestimate their calorie intake by 60%! One reason for this is that we dont pay attention to what we eat and then we dont realize how much we eat.

Finally, an extremely busy lifestyle can lead to more intense emotions which can lead to emotional eating. When were super busy we often sacrifice sleepand lack of sleep is a major cause of emotional instability. When were exhausted, we experience emotions more intensely and they often spike up quickly. We also act more impulsively without thinking decisions through.

And were less likely to exercise (since were so busy and tired) and exercise helps to stabilize mood and therefore reduce emotional eating.

So What Do We Do About All This?
You're probably thinking that your life will not be any less busy any time soon. This is okay, but you'll have to make some minor changes. First, recognize that if you plan and shop well, it won't take longer to eat healthy food.

You can always prepare food for several days and freeze it and buy healthy organic frozen meals. Get prepackaged little bags of nuts and dried fruit (or make your own). Stock up on low-fat string cheese and other snacks you can grab and go.

Second, when you're eating, eat mindfully. To begin mindful eating, take 5-10 minutes and pay attention to your food. Realize how much you're eating. Eat slowly and savor it so a little goes a long way. The other day I ate a Take 5 bar (leftover from Halloween) while I was working on a book. After finishing it, I realized I hadn't even enjoyed it because I was focused on what I was writing. Don't make this mistake- pay attention to your food.

Third, work on keeping your sleep and emotions stable so you're less likely to engage in emotional eating. And if you know you're having a sleepy, cranky day, stay away from the drive-throughs and cookie aisle!

Now enjoy the health and weight loss benefits that these changes will bring you!

Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA is the author or coauthor of 6 books including the New York Times bestseller The Confident Speaker (McGraw-Hill, 2007). Get many more tips on how to land a book deal, get quoted in the media, and get booked as a speaker at http://www.platformbuildingsecrets.com

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