How to deal when craving for unhealthy snacks?

Ever wonder if nutritionists get the same hankerings for chocolate, pizza, and French fries that the rest of us suffer from? They do! But somehow, when a bag of chips is calling their name, they resist the temptation to 
inhale the entire bag. Here's how.

Distract, Distract, Distract

"I tell people to keep a list of things you can do besides eat. Clean the cupboards, read a book, go for a walk, etc. This way, when the urge for something junky hits, you have a host of activities you can do instead." —Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., the nutrition and health expert for NBC's TODAY Show and Founder of NourishSnacks

Don't Eat Around Your Craving

"Have you ever had one of those nights where you’re really craving some chips? So you have a pickle…then a handful of pretzels…then a bite of leftovers…then a few rice cakes…and finally you go for the chips and finish the bag? Instead of eating around a craving, acknowledge the craving from the beginning, and grab yourself a small portion—enough to satisfy your craving without overdoing it—of the best version possible of whatever that is. Then move on." —Keri Glassman, R.D., Women's Health contributor.

But Find Ways to Balance it Out

"If I want a slice of pizza, mashed potatoes or French fries—my usually craving foods—I go for it. I simply make sure not to have them all in one day and definitely make room for them. For example, if I want French fries at lunch, I might order scrambled egg whites and broccoli to go alongside the fries instead of also having a burger." —Keri Gans, R.D., author ofThe Small Change Diet.

Eat High-Quality Dark Chocolate

"I keep 70 percent dark chocolate in the house. One study found that having just having a small portion—1.4 ounces daily—of dark chocolate helped to lower stress hormone levels in participants. That’s my go-to craving food." —Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., R.D., a wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute

Count to 3

"Take three bites of your favorite cake. Eat three of your favorite chocolate almonds. But most importantly, count to three seconds with every bite, and savor the moment." —Michelle Davenport, Ph.D., R.D., a Silicon Valley nutritionist

Satisfy the Craving in a Healthier Way

"I love to eat frozen grapes to satisfy my sweet tooth. Sometimes I eat a chocolate caramel wedge that is only 35 calories, too."  —Mitzi Dulan, R.D., author of The Pinterest Diet

Make Your Own Dessert"If you're making your own dessert, you'll be much less inclined to overindulge or to add copious amounts of sugar and butter to the recipe." —Michelle Davenport, Ph.D., R.D., a Silicon Valley nutritionist