I get it! It's a common problem: You're trying to stick to healthy-eating habits, but you can’t shake that nagging desire to keep eating. Here are eight things you can do to address that hunger...

Build balanced meals. If you're hungry soon after a meal, you might not be getting enough of the right stuff. Start with non-starchy carbs that are high in fiber, like fruits and veggies. Add plenty of protein and a dose of healthy fats. Whole-grain carbs can also help. These nutrients are good for your body and promote fullness, so you'll be less likely to experience hunger between meals.

Drink lots of water. I know; you hear this advice all the time. But it's really good advice! Staying hydrated can really help with weight loss and maintenance, since it's easy to mistake thirst for hunger. Next time you feel snacky, try a tall glass of water. Then wait a few minutes to see if your hunger subsides. Here are some tips if you have a hard time drinking enough water.

Eat several mini meals instead of three big meals. The three-square-meals model doesn't work for everyone. If you get really hungry between meals, try eating a mini meal every few hours instead.

Cut back on starchy, sugary carbs. Carbs like candy and cookies are considered empty calories. They satisfy hunger pangs for the moment, but they don't keep you full. You don’t need to cut them out altogether if you don’t want to; just eat them in moderation. Here are some of my all-time favorite healthy snacks.

Always keep a veggies & salsa stash. Some of the best things you can munch on are veggies, and one of the best ways to eat them is dipped in salsa. This combo is low in calories and super filling... Perfect if you're feeling snacky but don’t truly need sustenance. Baby carrots, jicama sticks, bell pepper slices… Time to hit the grocery store!

End your meal with a small sweet treat. Capping off your meal with something sweet can signal your brain that you're done eating. Think a few Hershey's Kisses, some fruit, or a cup of coffee with no-calorie sweetener. Check out these 22 chocolate treats with 100 calories or less!

Keep a food journal. Tracking your food is one of the best things you can do if you're trying to lose weight or change your eating habits. Write down everything you eat (in a cute journal), and look for patterns. What are you eating before you find yourself extra hungry? Certain foods may be triggers for you, leaving you hungrier than before you ate them. For me, it's pretzels!

Go for a walk. You might feel like you're hungry when you're really just bored or restless. Next time you have an urge to hit the pantry or the fridge despite not truly needing more food, try walking around the block instead. Bonus: Extra calories burned!

Hope this helps. Please keep in mind, I’m not a nutritionist. I’m just sharing some tips & tricks that have worked for me and others. One more thing: If you think you might be an emotional eater, here are some additional tools that may help!