Food. We want it. We need it to live. We love it.

But our relationship to food and the foods we love and hate - you know, the sugary, junk food splurges that get our brains firing and our pupils dilated - is tricky business.

Curbing your daily cravings, whether it’s for a caramel sundae or a Coca-Cola, is the key to dieting, and keeping your vow to yourself.

Here’s 6 things to remember today, to stay on course, avoid your eating impulses, and keep your body at its best:

1. Drink Water 
   We’ve all heard it a thousand times -- usually hunger cravings that hit us are really just a signal from our body that we’re thirsty. Pro-tip: fill up your water bottle with mint to keep your water tasty, so it’s easier to throw back a glass of water (or 12) during the day. 
2. Eat More Protein
   Nuts, legumes, lentils, lean meats -- there’s proteins of all types you can pack into your day that will keep your nightly cravings on a low burn. And studies show a protein-laden breakfast reduce cravings with regularity. 
3. Distance Yourself
   Next time you start daydreaming about a Snickers, take a 3 minute walk and shuffle your physical space. Or bust open a pack of gum. Doing anything - physically or psychologically - to put distance between you and your mind’s mouthwatering will help keep your active-eater mind satiated. 
4. Plan Your Meals
   Structure keeps us settled. If you know where your next meal is - and are actually stoked about it - you are much less likely to ruin your anticipation by wrecking your appetite with a glazed donut or double cheeseburger on a whim. Nightly planning ahead of time - and weekly batching of morning meals and lunches - can be a huge help, too.
5. Avoid Hangry-ness
   You’re not yourself when you’re hungry. So don’t let yourself eat lunch at 3:45pm during a busy day at work. Take care of your mental well-being by eating when your supposed to, and your dietary best will follow in line. 
6. Stay Clear of the Market When You’re Starving
   It’s 8:30pm and you’re jonesing for grub after a long days work? Don’t go to Whole Foods. Don’t go to Trader Joe’s. Don’t. Do. It. Instead, find a quick, healthy meal somewhere. Your stomach - and your wallet - will thank you tomorrow. 

After all, our bodies are a lot like life -- we get what we put into it. 

Practice a few of these tricks this week and get in the practice of taking the best care of yourself.