by Bruce W. Coffman

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

We've all had those irresistible urges. We find ourselves suddenly obsessed with the thought of some type of food from chocolate to a big, juicy cheeseburger. Left unchecked, these cravings can send us offtrack on our quest for healthier eating. Instead of letting the cravings get to you, conquer them with these five simple tips.

Replace The Junk

Find a healthier, lighter alternative for the food you are craving. Of course an apple isn't going to satisfy that urge for a big slice of chocolate cake, but perhaps a chocolate cookie would. You've still splurged a little, but you haven't devastated your diet as you would have if you'd given into your original craving. You might even find that there are some even healthier alternatives that satisfy you when the cravings set in. If you're dying for something salty, reach for some dry roasted peanuts or sunflower seeds instead of a bag of chips.

Shift Your Focus

Sometimes just getting your mind occupied in another way is enough to crash the craving craze. If there is a particular activity you enjoy that involves use of your hands, give that a try. Often keeping your hands busy will keep you from shoveling something into your mouth. You'll also be accomplishing something instead of just mindlessly eating.

Drink Up

Though not nearly as satisfying as the food you're longing for, filling up on water, tea or diet cola may help you overcome your craving by making you feel full. Give it a try the next time you think you can't live without that cherry cheesecake and you may just find that you were simply low on fluids.

Live a Little

Denying ourselves everything that is "bad" for us is one sure way to bring on the cravings in the first place. Try a compromise by allowing yourself a moderate indulgence once a week. Use good sense and keep portion control in mind, but allow yourself something you enjoy.

Think It Through

Think about what's really driving you crazy and making you want to down that entire pint of ice cream. Perhaps it's not so much a food craving as it is a reaction to stress. Remind yourself that giving in to the temptation to eat is not going to change your circumstances and see if there is something else you can do to make yourself feel better like taking a walk or phoning a friend.

The next time you're faced with an uncontrollable craving, try these five tips. You'll feel more in control and enjoy the sense of accomplishment of having stayed on your healthy eating plan almost as much as you would have enjoyed that peanut butter fudge brownie. The effects of sticking with a healthier diet will do you much more good in the long run. Remember, every craving passes and the old saying, "a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips," should be another good motivator.

Learn more about this author, Bruce W. Coffman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.