Hi Maria:

Gosh, I feel for you!  I don't have any little kids around anymore (except when my grandchildren visit), but I can remember those days all too well.

Have you tried doing the deep breathing technique to de-stress?  There are variations on the number you count to, but basically it's breathe deeply in to the count of four, hold for the count of 12 (or 16), and exhale to the count of 8 (or 12).  Do that four to eight times.  It's amazing how much that helps calm you down.  Plus, you don't have to leave the room to do it.  You can do it amidst the chaos! 

Another suggestion:  you might plan your midafternoon snack for the time you know you'll feel the most stressed and have it be something that feels "snacky" like Mary's Gone Crackers and some hummus, grapes and almonds, etc.  I'm sure you get the idea.  It's something you can pop in your mouth and crunch. 

The other thing about stress eating is that it's usually done unconsciously.  So, make a promise to yourself that you need to be sitting when you eat.  No eating while you're doing anything else.  This way, you will be aware of what you're doing.

I hope these ideas help some.  I know they work for me.

Good luck,

Cat

Try a glass of filtered water.  Sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are actually THIRSTY.  This sometimes keeps me from stress eating if I can remember to do it.