First week into a new diet and the food cravings have started. It doesn’t matter how disciplined you are regarding your diet, these cravings are a natural part of dieting. For those of us who must lose weight these cravings are a real challenge. Diet Cravings will either make or break your diet plans. I have read some places that you should give in to the cravings and eat only a small portion of what you would normally…so does this work?

Anyone who has tried to diet knows that eating healthy and getting exercise is the key to maintaining good health. That is a no-brainer, however with today’s hectic schedules that so many of us have eating right and getting exercise eating healthier is easier said than done. So to help with combating a dietary disaster when the cravings do occur the best way I have found is to plan ahead and use a little strategy.

Personally I find it easier to diet if I eat small meals throughout the day, usually about every three hours. I don’t miss any of them. I read somewhere in the distant past that your body takes about 2 ½ hours to digest food, so by sticking to the 3 hour rule by the time the cravings start it is time to eat anyway.

Are you water logged yet? You are suppose to drink a lot of water during a diet, and it does help curb the hunger pains. I now have a bottle of water next to me all day and when I feel hungry I take a sip. Very often I have found I am not really hungry, just thirsty and by keeping that bottle of water by me and taking sips throughout the day I keep hydrated, feel better and eliminate one of the causes of the cravings.

Another good idea is to keep fresh fruit nearby. Fresh fruit is a better choice for the cravings than chips or cookies. Another thing I have done is make a fat free dip, cut up some veggies like celery, carrots and even broccoli (I like it better raw than cooked) and store them in ziploc bags in the frig. It gives me another healthy snack throughout the day.

Another tip: NEVER, EVER GO TO AN OFFICE PARTY OR EVENT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!

Trust me you will definitely go off any diet once you get there hungry. Always eat a small meal or snack before going!

I have been on a lot of diets, as you can tell, the most important thing I remember being told by a nutritionist is that if the craving persists, eat a small amount of whatever it is you are craving. For me it is Taco Bell, so I go and order 1 small item instead of 2 or 3. It satisfies the craving completely and I can move on.

Just remember that just because a food says it is fat-free doesn’t mean it is calorie free! Always be mindful of the calories in any given product. Fat-Free does not always equal safe food to eat.

Maintaining healthy eating habits for me and millions of others is hard. But following these simple tips to satisfying the cravings do help.