I have really strong cravings for sugar in the midafternoon. What's causing them and how can I control them?

You are probably having cravings in the afternoon because you aren't eating enough food during the day. To get rid of your cravings, you need to change your daytime eating habits. Here are some suggestions:

• Add to your breakfast. Oatmeal is a great start and you can add some protein, like peanut butter, for staying power. You can also add yogurt, milk or an egg.
• Choose two foods for a morning snack. Some of my favorites are fruit with peanut butter or cottage cheese, peanut butter on a slice of whole-grain bread or a smoothie with fruit and yogurt.
• At lunch, eat 3 ounces of protein and lots of veggies for added fiber.
  
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day so you don't misinterpret thirst as hunger.
• Plan a two-food afternoon snack similar to the morning snack. Try veggies and hummus (hummus is a good protein source) or a yogurt parfait with fruit, nuts and/or high-fiber cereal.
• Make sure that you eat enough at each meal and snack so that you're satisfied.