Diet Strategies: Stop Food Cravings  

The stomach signals hunger, but your brain controls your cravings. Put a safety on the emotional triggers and you'll be able to bypass your approaching bypass. Your action plan:

1. Drink up. Often we interpret as hunger what's really thirst in disguise. Make it a rule to reach for a glass of ice water every time you feel hungry; you'll be surprised how much less you'll wind up eating.

2. Pinch yourself. Specifically, your nostrils or earlobes for 10 seconds. The craving will pass. These are acupressure points, which means that how this works is an ancient Chinese secret. But trust me, it does.

3. Use 100-watt lightbulbs. Brighter is better in the dining room, or on the couch if you tend to munch in front of the TV. Dim lights lower inhibitions of all kinds, whether you're making a move on Debbie or Little Debbie.

4. Negotiate over coffee. You're more apt to munch mindlessly during intense discussions. If you're going to break up with her, do it over a salad. If you're negotiating a big deal, wait until the dinner is finished.

5. Keep your hands to yourself. Manufacturers know that your chances of purchasing a product rise exponentially once you touch it. That's why the worse a food is for you, the more likely it comes in a cool, colorful package. Next time you're at the market, make a mental note not to touch anything in the junk-food aisles.

6. Think healthy, not thin. Many people become more successful at long-term weight loss once their motive shifts from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier.

--By Marc Salem. Salem stars in the one-man show Mind Games. You can find more mind-control tips at marcsalem.com.

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