What do you say when a stressful moment passes? "Phew. Glad that's over."

Not so fast. You're not out of the woods yet. Seems there's this little thing called the "aftereffects" of stress. And it can make your heart race and have you raiding the kitchen cupboard.

Beyond the Moment
In a study, men and women were asked to complete a task despite unpredictable bursts of noise being broadcast into the room. After the task (and noise) ended, their heart rates climbed higher. And although the men's appetites were unfazed afterward, the women who had felt frustrated by the noise loaded up on bland, fatty foods (like cheese and plain popcorn).

Gaining Control
So what's the moral of the story? Stress-reduction strategies aren't just an in-the-moment fix for an unpleasant situation.

Reducing stress can help control this, too.

Think of ways to unwind well after a crisis has passed. And don't drop your guard against emotional eating the second you're out of the fire. If you do, the hand you use to wave goodbye to a stressful situation may end up in the snack cupboard. Try these tips for smarter eating.

Are you in serious need of some rest and relaxation? Find out with the quiz.