There was that out-of-town trip when you ignored your body trainer's meal-planning methods, or the night you accidentally ate the entire pint of cookie dough ice cream while watching a chick flick. You blew off your strict diet plans, not realizing how much you would regret those dismissals the following day.

An article on WebMD says that people make food choices that will satisfy their feelings even when the body is not hungry. Women, in particular, experience many emotional highs and lows in the duration of a day. Marriage, children, work demands, postmenstrual syndrome and personal challenges all add to a woman's food choices.

Women eat junk food when they are depressed, assuming the taste will give them instant gratification, hence the term "comfort foods." While comfort foods are not just for negative feelings, people tend to eat certain foods to maintain good feelings.

The challenge for most emotional eaters is the guilt trip they take the next day. They may decide to skip meals or work out vigorously post-comfort eating to compensate for diet mistakes.

Rahman 'Ray' Grayson, personal trainer and owner of AEIM Fitness in Atlanta, tells his clients to plan out their meals for the day to avoid impulse eating. "That way, if you have a bad day or get a bad phone call at work, you've already planned your foods, so you can't go wrong."

Grayson, who has worked with celebrities Ciara and Mary J. Blige, recommends the 80/20 rule, so there's room for comfort food slip-ups.

"Live healthy 80 percent of the time, and then you have 20 percent to be [just okay]," Grayson says. "You may have a bad day and will just have to pass up on that dessert."

There are specific foods that many people fall victim to. Below, learn why you should avoid them, and try these alternative options.

1. Microwave Dinners
The sectioned-off platter with the microwavable baked good may be a quick hunger remedy when you're tired, but they are also high in sodium and synthetic preservatives. Salt and processed preservatives can lead to high blood pressure and contribute to tumor growth. You may have gained more time to rest in front of the T.V. for the remainder of the night, but it can't guarantee lifelong health.

Use lighter days during the week to make large-portioned meals, then separate them into small containers and freeze or refrigerate. You can microwave and eat when you are ready.

2. Ice Cream
Notice how there's always that pint of Ben & Jerry's in your freezer? You vaguely remember buying it, but no matter how long it's been in that refrigerator, it's soft and ready to be eaten. Ice cream is probably one of the easiest comfort food cop-outs. The sugar and calorie intake could make up an entire dinner entree.

Buy frozen yogurts or fruit bars to replace that mysterious tub of ice cream.

3. Alcohol
This stimulant is everyone's quick remedy for emotions, but too much alcohol can lead to drastic ailments, including alcohol poisoning and, over time, liver diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says a standard drink consists of .6 ounces of alcohol, and women shouldn't drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day.

Enjoy a glass of wine (it's 90 calories!) with a cozy bath, but drink in moderation.

4. Burgers and Fries
When you're overwhelmed with life's responsibilities, a salad with microscopic-sized shrimp doesn't cut it for your appetite. You want something fast, filling and casual which allows you to sit with your girlfriend and dish out all the drama. However, the real problem is that your fries just deep-sea dived into an ocean of saturated oil, and you have enough mayo and bacon stacked on your burger to feed a village.

According to the American Heart Association, saturated fats increase your cholesterol levels. Invite your friend over and cook turkey burgers with baked potato cuts.

5. Chips
You're busy sitting at a computer screen and can't get up until you beat the clock. By your side is a bag of ole' faithful potato chips, which you keep stowed away for days like these. Chips are convenient, but also high in sodium and calories.

Stash prepackaged baked crackers in your desk from now on; this way, you can measure how much you're eating.

What are your favorite stress food substitutes?