Thanks, Mamamia. Turning your focus to something else is simple, and works surprisingly well! And there are, well, not to overstate the case, billions of other things to think about! Maybe I'm overstating a little, but the principle is true.

And I've heard that apples are great for a lot of things. Here's one I just saw on HuffPo:

One component of an apple's peel (which also has most of the fiber) is something called ursolic acid, which was linked to a lower risk of obesity in a recent study in mice. That's because it boosts calorie burn and increases muscle and brown fat, HuffPost UK reported.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_1855590.html

The article also says apples can:

lower cholesterol
keep you full
prevent breathing problems
fight colds
may fight cancer
decrease diabetes risk
may help memory and lower chances of developing Alzheimer's!

Thanks, Jen. I love the way you stated that! And, as far as functioning and health, I am happy and energetic - especially since I've made it a point to take my vitamins more regularly, with some raw nuts - and I can't remember when I was last ill. Fasting is actually known to reduce inflammation, which is at the root of a lot of disease processes.

Hope you're feeling better now, Nicki. The water will surely help with that! It's also a great go-to for cutting those hunger pangs, for sure!

That's really good, Violette! And you get some beautiful artwork to show for it, also.

Do you say your name placing the emphasis on the first syllable or the last, if you don't mind my asking?

Drink coffee (tea does not work, it makes you hungrier!)

Good question haha I do eat a lot during the day, but if I've just eaten or something and really need to avoid it, I'll:

- drink lots of water
- do my homework (boo)
- see if my friends want to go out
- read a book
- draw
- write
- blog
- walk the dog
- paint my nails

That's all I can think of for now, really!

Thank you for the great ideas, Oneten and Wendy! I love that the idea - we can just "change our minds" about eating when we don't need to eat - is being reinforced!

If I find myself walking into the kitchen for a snack because I'm bored, I drink a glass of water instead. I leave a glass out on the kitchen table so I see it right when I walk in the room.

Sometimes, I remove myself from the situation. Since the kitchen is on the main floor, sometimes I go down to the basement with my son- our playroom is in the basement. Sometimes we pack up and go out- just to Barnes and Noble or Target or somewhere. But I have to make sure that I don't have any cash in my wallet. I won't put snacks on my credit or debit card, but I'm more tempted if I have cash.

Thank you, CrunchyMama! I have that same glass out in the kitchen. I force myself to drink a cup full of water after I wake up, and try to get more in during the day. It's not the most exciting or glamorous drink, but it does us so much good! Including helping us lose weight the next day, as everything moves along.

I love that you take yourself away from the food! And you're also moving, which burns, as I say to myself when I have to do chores I don't want to do, "Calories, calories, calories!"

Some reasons to drink water, from WebMD:

1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids.

2. Water Can Help Control Calories.

3. Water Helps Energize Muscles.

4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good.

5. Water Helps Your Kidneys.

6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/6-reasons-...k-water?page=3

Hot sauce

Horseradish

White vinegar

Whole grain mustard

All can sometimes work as appetite suppressants - with very little calories, if any. The Horseradish sauce works the best, the burn can become addicting... sort of.

Depending on the situation, I try to do the following:

Drink water
Read
Cook for the next meal
Clean
Exercise
Watch a movie

I like all those things, and think they would taste good together.

Thank you, Durian. And I have one: Check this thread for good ideas like these! I think sometimes we forget that we have so many other options.