I remember years ago when I started this, if I wanted food, I ate something allowed. String cheese comes in packages and keeps for half a day or so w/o refrigeration. I can bring a zip lock baggie w/ celery sticks, too. Even a small package of nuts is better than a cookie - and seems to keep me satisfied longer, too.

My job was near a farmers' market - I'd go there at lunch and buy fresh stuff for lunches and snacks. There was a fridge at work, and a microwave. I got a microwave-proof bowl and a fork and spoon. I ate pretty darn well before going back to school!

If I *do* eat a cookie or something bad - I'm more likely to want more carb-rich food, usually within an hour.

I never let myself get hungry, some days it seemed like I ate non-stop. But always good stuff. And the pounds came off almost effortlessly.

(I also made a point of walking a couple of miles a day)