Get smart about cravings

We all have favourite comfort foods. The trouble is, many snacks we reach for when we’re stressed, tired or just plain hungry aren’t very good for us—they’re often high in fat, salt, sugar and calories and low in nutrients. The next time you’re craving chips or ice cream, check in with your body to see if you’re really hungry. “Have you eaten in the past three to four hours? Are you having hunger pangs? Or are you trying to fill an emotional void or deal with stress?” asks Edie Shaw-Ewald, a registered dietitian in Nova Scotia. “Give yourself 15 minutes and do something else—go for a walk or jog, grab a book or clean out a closet—and sometimes the craving will subside.” If the hankering persists, though, read on for alternatives to six common cravings.