Eating is a good thing. It gives you energy, fuels your brain and body, provides you with life-giving nutrients -- and it tastes good. Food is awesome ... in the right quantities. When eating goes overboard, you could lose many of its good-for-you qualities, and instead feel tired, sluggish, and in need of a good, long nap.

Because we all get a little cake-crazy once in a while, here are some tips for taming your appetite.

Eat -- and Do It Often

It may seem counterintuitive to eat more often when you're trying to eat less, but research has shown that eating small meals and snacks throughout the course of the day may actually decrease how much food you eat overall in a day. Six mini-meals -- filled with protein, fiber, and whole grains will keep you feeling fuller, longer. 

Sit Down and Chew

Eating dinner over the kitchen sink, in the car, or straight out of the fridge may feel like a timesaver, but studies show that people who eat on the go often end up eating more at one time -- and eat less overall.

Light a Candle

Some research suggests that lighting a scented candle can take the edge off your appetite. The biggest winners: peppermint, banana, and green apple.

Distract Yourself

Sometimes, we eat because we're bored, or stressed, or spacing out (thank you, Tuesday-night TV!), or we're just used to it, even though we're not actually hungry. So instead of reaching for a cracker to nibble --which can turn into the entire box -- go for a walk, take a bath, read a book, crochet, or call a friend. Find something that's relaxing and pleasurable that takes away the need to chew.

Don't Beat Yourself Up About It

If you overindulged and ate more than you meant to, don't dwell on it. Sure, your belly feels uncomfortably full, but it's not the end of the world -- and kicking yourself for it will only serve to make you over-focused on the next meal, and cut your self-esteem. 

Lexi writes about two of her favorite topics, health and beauty, for national magazines and websites. She lives in the desert with her husband and two kids.