As a writer, I tend to keep long late hours, which tends to make me hungry (or at least think I’m hungry) as I work. This is not a good thing, particularly if you’re up around the clock and eating when you’re supposed to be sleeping! I have come up with several ways to not eat at my desk. If I actually use them, they typically work! Here they are. Feel free to use them and build on them, as well as share your own ways to fight midnight cravings while up and at ‘em.

• Floss. I soon learned that it’s pretty gross to floss at your desk, but you can still keep a container of floss in front of you to remind you to use it. Just grab it and go to the bathroom to get it done, even if you’ve flossed already today. (Wouldn’t your dentist be proud?) Not only will you have a taste in your mouth that simply isn’t conducive to eating; you’ll also have clean teeth that you’ll be reluctant to get them yucky with food. It’s like wearing your Easter clothes and telling your friends that you can’t get them dirty. Alternatively, you can also simply brush your teeth.
• Drink a full glass of water. I think most people know this one, but I was surprised at how true it is. Oftentimes, we think we’re hungry when our bodies are simply really, really thirsty! I like to load my glass up with ice (Did you know that cold water burns calories? It’s also simply tastier, in my opinion.), fill it up with water from my tap water filtration head, and stick a straw in it. (We’re fans of swirly straws in my house.) Yum!

 And please don’t give me that, “I don’t like water.” I didn’t either when I drank Cherry Coke every day. It’s something you have to simply get used to. Now it’s my favorite thing to drink. To really get yourself drinking it, add a splash of flavoring, a mint sprig, or some fruit if you have to.

•  Put lotion on your hands. Seriously, this works if you plan on munching something like pretzels, crackers, or other finger foods. Your hands will be super soft, you might have a nice scent in the air (that could even curb your cravings, who knows?), and you won’t want to taste nasty lotion when you lick your fingers.
• Take three bites. Studies say that all you need is three bites to satisfy a craving. My advice? Chew slowly. (Of course, I think you should always chew slowly! Enjoy your food!)
• Get up. Instead of thinking about food, do a quick load of laundry, put on your headphones and jam for five minutes, walk outside, whatever. A change of scenery can often change your mind. Plus, it’s just good for you to move around every once in a while if you work at a desk all day.