Snacking is one of the reasons many of us can’t seem to lose weight. Snacking does not have to hurt your diet, however. If you usually reach for candy bars or some other sweet concoction, then this article is for you. With these awesome tips, you’ll have no problem sticking to your diet. Just follow these nutrition tips and you’ll fill up without filling out your waistline.

1. Stay away from junk food. Easier said than done, but throwing out every ounce of junk food from your home or desk goes a very long way in healthy snacking. By getting rid of all temptation, you won’t feel the need to eat that candy bar when you’re hungry. If you feel bad throwing away all your junk food, then don’t throw it in the trash. There are many places where you can donate your unwanted food and snacks. Consider those options so you don’t feel guilty about wasting food. With that said…

2. Stock up on healthy snacks. Once you’ve gotten rid of all temptation, it’s time to hit the grocery store and stock up on all new foods. Healthy snacks like cottage cheese, nuts and protein shakes are all good alternatives to chocolate and other sweet stuff. Make sure to read food labels; anything that contains fiber is a good choice. Fiber is a nutrient that keeps you regular and promotes satiety. You’re likelier to feel fuller after a fibrous snack than a chocolate bar. Feeling fuller longer is critical to curbing hunger and avoiding mindless snacking.

3. Plan ahead. Proper planning can go a long way when it comes to snacking. If you know you’re going on a long road trip or will be sitting through a long meeting, bring your own food. Bringing your own food gives you complete control over what to eat and it saves you money; no wasting money on unhealthy fast food or vending machine fare. Who doesn’t like to save a little money when they’re eating healthy?

4. Don’t kick yourself over mistakes. Sometimes, cravings are unavoidable. If you happen to succumb to your urges, don’t let it happen again. Many times, we think that our diet for the day is shot when we falter. If you eat a candy bar, stay on track with your diet for the rest of the day. That way, damage is minimized. You can even hit the gym for an extra ten minutes if you feel really guilty. Don’t give up and keep up the good work. Staying on track will help you get that much closer to your goals.

5. Stay busy. If you still find yourself hungry despite your best snacking efforts, we have some advice: stop thinking about food. Distracting yourself with other activities – specifically physical activity – can help stave off hunger. Pick up a hobby or two. Play guitar, go biking, take art classes – do anything to keep your mind off food. Once you immerse yourself in something you truly enjoy, you’ll stop thinking about food and your hunger.

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. is a copywriter at AAG Health. He has been writing about health-related topics for more than five years.