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We all suffer from cravings from time to time but do your cravings rule your life? Do you cave in and eat a large chocolate fudge sundae only to feel guilty afterwards? Do you consume a whole bag of chips while watching TV when you only meant to eat a few? Here are a few tips to help get control of your cravings before you wreck your diet.

Sometimes when I’m craving a certain food, I’m mistaking thirst for hunger. Make sure you drink enough water or other non sugary beverages every day. The next time you feel a craving coming on, reach for a drink or at least a juicy piece of fruit like an orange and see if that curbs the craving.

Are you bored or truly hungry? Upset with your spouse or feeling lonely? Often we reach for food to occupy our time or provide comfort. Identify what’s bothering you, then go for a walk with your kids, call a friend or spend a few minutes cleaning out a drawer before grabbing those chips.

Brush your teeth or chew some gum. Food doesn’t taste good with minty flavoring in your mouth. Plus, studies have shown chewing gum can reduce food cravings.

Combine the food you crave with something healthy. Add a few chocolate chips to a handful of almonds or dip a piece of fruit such as strawberries or a banana in melted dipping chocolate.

Give in to your cravings once in awhile. Share a side of fries with a friend or eat a piece of dark chocolate. Chose quality over quantity. Get a premium cookie from a good bakery rather than a cheap package of cookies from the vending machine. Eat slowly and savor every bite rather than wolfing it down like a dog. Just exercise portion control by measuring out an appropriate serving and put the rest of the food away.

Skip the artificial sweeteners. Studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may actually increase your cravings for sweet foods. They may also be addictive as well, making it even harder to give up diet sodas or other foods with little nutritional value.

Make sure you are getting enough calories throughout the day. If you skip breakfast, you may not be able to resist a hamburger, fries and a shake at lunch because your blood sugar has plummeted. Eat three meals a day with some light snacks between meals to feel your best.

If you want to lose weight in time for your summer vacation or your best friend’s wedding, post a picture of your vacation destination or the wedding invitation on the refrigerator. Hang your skinny jeans on the closet door or keep the scales in the kitchen as a visual reminder.

Put some money in a jar every time you avoid giving in to your cravings. Use the money to reward yourself with a shopping trip or to spend while on vacation.

Remember that cravings do go away in time. You are stronger than you think.