Do you have a tendency to snack whenever you're stressed? Do you keep a stash of goodies in your cubicle/car/purse? All that stress snacking could ultimately cause you to gain some unwanted pounds.

But how do you curb a habit that's been developed over the years? The first thing to do is to acknowledge that you have a snacking problem and making a point to get rid of all those tasty temptations.

The next step is to take a marker and write down these tips below before hanging them somewhere as a reminder on what to do the next time you get struck by the munchies:

Modify your junk food daydreams: Instead of fantasizing about sweets, imagine chomping down on an apple. If you aren’t hungry enough to eat the apple, you’re probably not really hungry.

Relax: If that approaching deadline is causing you to reach for a snack, take a few deep breaths. Once you're calm, then decide if you’re still hungry.

Slow down while eating: It can take up to 20 minutes to feel full. So the next time you head out to eat, start off with your appetizer before ordering the next meal if you're still hungry. This will ensure a big enough gap between courses, giving you plenty of time to let your stomach tell you when it's full.

Replace late-night snacking with water: A tired brain can sometimes confuse the sensations of hunger and thirst. Instead of reaching for the fridge, place a bottle of water near your bed to gulp down before hitting the sack.

Get plenty of sleep: You can't eat when you're asleep, and sleep deprivation can seriously mess with one's appetite. So make it a point to sleep for at least 8 hours everyday.