Depends on the craving, and time of day.
Late night? Ignored.
Rest of day: is it actually unhealthy? Is it a pain to acquire? How well can I control portions?
If it’s actually healthy, just a “yellow light” food (say white potatoes), then I’ll make something with them. Usually oven baked fries. That’s my worst craving...French fries.
If it’s a pain to acquire, I just put it off. This is what I do with ice cream, even nice cream from the VitaMix. I’m very good with this trick. I intentionally make sweets a pain to acquire.
Is it more a “red light” food, one that should be quarterly or less? I actually enjoy the anticipation of this category. Much like waiting on a holiday meal. I decide if I’m making it, or going to a restaurant. I’d rather skip prepared foods like frozen meals and splurge occasionally.
I can also substitute. Indian vegetarian dishes are notoriously high in dairy and fat. I limit dairy on a daily basis but I am lacto-vegetarian. Occasionally, if the craving is for a flavor in Indian cuisine, I can go lower dairy by either making it at home (I’m a passable cook in this cuisine), or substituting with Ethiopian flavors.
This is one category where prepared foods work. Somehow, frozen samosa and picapepper sauce will allay the craving for several days. I’ll avoid dairy for those days and then enjoy.
Mind you, if I get a meal delivered, it’s actually three meals for me. If I’m conscious and don’t have too much while it’s hot, I get three full meals; otherwise, it’s dinner and two lunches.
Limiting portions. My worst offender habit is Coca Cola. I can quit for months, have one taste and be back on daily instantly. I know this, and I plan for the 90 calories of the 7.5 Oz can. I cannot get larger sizes.
I find cravings hit when I’m making the same basic thing for meals for several days.
Wake up every day knowing you make the decision to begin your journey anew.
This choice in this moment defines now.
What is your now?