Today's post is by Doug O’Neill, the executive editor of Canadian Living. Enjoy! I’m rising up to the Million Pound Challenge. Debbie Travis is doing it. Steve Sabados and Chris Hyndman of the “Steven and Chris Show” are doing it. They’re all pledging to lose weight and get healthy in the Million Pound Challenge. So I thought I’d give it a try. Since I need to lose another 14 pounds, here’s what I’m doing to cure my incredible cravings. Solution No. 1. Go smaller: one finger of a Kit-Kat is much better than all 5 (or is it 4?). Sometimes I really just hanker for a chocolate bar. Suggestion: Instead of enduring the agony (and constant temptation) of going without, I just opt for the mini versions. Or, I do succumb and buy a Toblerone, I break off a portion to satisfy my craving - and pass it to the gal in the next cubicle. Solution No. 2. Flavour rules! You know those large bags of cookies that seem like a real deal? You eat about 10 of them while watching TV but you’re still not satisfied. Well, I’ve figured it out: It's all about flavour. You eat more in the hopes of making your taste buds happy. But it doesn’t work. Suggestion: If you've really got to have that white-chocolate-peanut-butter cookie, just go out and buy one. Yes, I said one - but make it a really good one. That way you're satisfying your flavor-filled craving -- but not overeating. Solution No. 3. Bite an apple first. You’ve just left work at the end of the day and your stomach is grumbling loud enough to drown out the drive-home radio show. You've got cheese-covered pasta on your mind. Visions of potato chips are dancing in your head. You’re running the risk of bingeing the moment you walk in the door. Suggestion: Ward off that binge disaster by eating an apple on the way home, and perhaps drink a glass of water the second you walk in the door. I find I’m less likely to rip through the box of biscuits and cheese spread before dinner. When I’m not ravenous, I eat more mindfully. Solution No. 4. Mini Me Forever! Go small! Those huge honking bagels that look so healthy? Well, they could rack up to 300 calories. Take a look at your stand-by staples in the house, and see if smaller sizes are available. I just discovered there are whole-wheat bagels that only contain 100 calories. Ditto for yogurts and other favourite stand-by foods. Buy packs of smaller sizes. Solution No. 5. Popcorn: You’re looking for crunch. I know, I know, carrots and celery sticks are healthy and they allow me to ‘crunch’ down on something but folks, to be honest, they don’t’ always cut it. If I’m watching a movie, I want at least the semblance of junk food. Suggestion: DO NOT BUY THAT HUGE HONKING BAG OF SALTY CRINKLES. Pop some popcorn instead. It satisfies my need for crunchy food, and it’s really low on calories and even contains fibre. Looking for other ways to lose weight, join me and thousands of other Canadians in the Million Pound Challenge.