It is important that you recognize what triggers eating when you are not hungry—that is the first step in changing those patterns. When you find yourself heading for the refrigerator or cupboards, first ask yourself how long ago you last ate and whether it is your stomach calling for the food. Most times you'll know immediately that hunger was not the trigger. In these instances, it is critical that you find another activity to replace eating.
A great substitute is exercise, which helps relieve anxiety, too. Go outside for a brisk walk or grab your dumbbells and do a few sets of your favorite exercises. Or, indulge yourself with a bubble bath, call a friend, or grab a book. Soon, when anxiety strikes, you'll have trained yourself to replace eating with a new activity and you'll be able to truly enjoy eating when hunger is the culprit.