I have to stop eating French fries, but no matter what, if I run out of time and have to grab a sandwich, I always feel pressured to order them. I know that the fault lies in my lack of planning, but with a full-time job and a full-time school schedule, it's not always easy to pack two meals a day, especially as I'm not a morning person. I cannot manage to pass up that treat. Please help! --J.L.

Cravings are typically caused by habit, hunger, deprivation or face-to-face contact. Sometimes even all four are involved. If it's a habit (and it sounds like it is), breaking the habit means starting a new one. Decide you will not order French fries, and instead order a side salad. This will be difficult at first but gets easier with practice. Try to set yourself up so you're not ravenous when you get to the drive-through. Bring a piece of fruit for a snack, eat more breakfast or try to get to lunch earlier.

Sometimes we feel deprived, and then we go overboard. Maybe you think you really shouldn't eat French fries, but you love them so you eat them. Often, writing out your feelings and thoughts in a journal can be helpful.

And sometimes we're simply faced with French fries. You could order a smaller size and share them with a friend, or eat a few and throw out the rest. It's important to remember that ultimately you have a choice here. What do you want to do? You can certainly lose weight and still eat French fries, but you'll need to consider how many you're eating and cut back on your food intake somewhere else.

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