Wait 20 minutes, since cravings usually are short-lived

Food cravings can pull you off course when you’re trying to diet and eat in a healthful way.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions to help you curb food cravings:

  -Cravings often are short-lived. Try to wait at least 20 minutes before you act on a craving.
  -Opt for a healthier alternative to what you crave. Choose fat-free chips instead of potato chips, or bake an apple for a sweet treat.
  -Buy your favorite treats in single-serving sizes. For example, buy a single cookie, rather than a whole box.
  -Have regularly scheduled snack times and enjoy a healthy snack that you’ve already stocked.
  -Indulge in a social treat—rather than food—by calling a friend.
  -Keep a log of your cravings. Record what you were doing when you craved, how long you felt the craving and how you handled it.