How to Conquer Cravings

You told yourself you'd go to the birthday party, but you wouldn't take a piece of cake - and you wouldn't even look at the ice cream. Then, you're there. When that temptation lurks near, try these tactics to keep it far from your will power:

Craving chocolate? Eat a banana. It sometimes satisfies the yearning for chocolate and is much less fattening.

Chew sugarless gum. It speeds up the digestive system, burning more calories, and sometimes kills a craving.

Exercise! Your appetite will temporarily subside and you'll feel better about taking such a proactive approach.

Still craving chocolate? Try a magnesium supplement. Many women are deficient in this mineral, which is found in chocolate.

Craving fatty foods? Eat fish, or take a fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement. You may be low in essential fatty acids.

Grab something to drink. Sometimes, cravings for food are really thirst in disguise.

Sweet tooth? Protein, fat and fiber keep blood sugar levels more even and help keep such cravings under control.

Watch your caffeine intake. Caffeine seems to make sugar cravings worse.

If your will power weakens at night, try leaving the lights on until the minute you go to bed. Dimmed lights tend to lower inhibitions.

Turn off the lights in your kitchen and avoid hanging out there.