How to Increase Your Willpower

6. Willpower increases when you're busy, but not stressed.

Sometimes we snack when we're bored at home or the office. Keeping your day filled with tasks to tick off your to-do list—interspersed with enjoyable activities, like meeting a friend for a walk—will keep you focused on things other than food—and help you stay strong against mindless snacking. Just don't overload your schedule because…

7. Willpower decreases when you're super-stressed.

When you're under pressure—working on a huge project for your job or dealing with a family member's illness, perhaps—your body releases hormones to help you handle it. The downside? "Those hormones may trigger cravings for high-carb foods—your body's way of trying to increase your energy levels while you're stressed," says Palinski. But stress weakens your willpower in another way. "You may be less apt to plan, resulting in eating on the run and making bad food choices," adds Palinski.