Cravings are probably the hardest part of following a diet plan. All you can think about sometimes are the foods you "can't" eat instead of focusing on the foods that are allowed on your diet. And when your willpower is weak, do you run for the vending machine or your favorite restaurant? If so, then experts say it's OK - once in awhile. After all, those foods will always rear their heads, and you'll always crave them. But there are ways to make your splurges sensible.

{relatedarticles}

Accept your cravings without beating yourself up when you give in. Keep your stomach full of healthful foods most of the time, so that when those forbidden foods present themselves, you can be satisfied with eating less of them. Go for the primo form of whatever it is you crave. Instead of eating a stale, prepackaged doughnut to satisfy a sugary craving, try something more decadent, like a small wedge of creamy cheesecake. Enjoy your treat with all your senses - plate it up in an attractive way, smell it and savor it instead of wolfing it down.
Eat without distractions, like the TV or computer - no multitasking while eating. If you can make your own version of your cheat food from scratch, then do so. It's going to be fresher, healthier and tastier than anything else you can buy. {relatedarticles}Enjoy a homemade muffin for breakfast if that's what you like, or make your own pizza from scratch at dinnertime. Use the best ingredients you can find to make your splurge worth it, then jump right back into your healthy eating plan once you've satisfied the craving.