Are you often surrounded by temptations?

Experts think one reason that so many Americans have a weight problem is the constant exposure to tempting high-calorie foods, such as sweets and junk food. These foods are usually fine in moderation. But constant temptation may lead to overindulging.

Research seems to back this up. One study found that people reported more hunger after being shown food cues, such as those you see during a grocery store visit. They said they felt hungrier when shown high-fat foods than low-fat ones.

It will be easier to resist overindulging on sweets and junk food if you reduce your risk of being tempted.

The following strategies can help:

• Keep your own home as temptation free as possible. Avoid buying sweets and unhealthy foods that you have trouble resisting.
• Avoid going hungry to dinner parties, the grocery store, or other places where there will be a lot of tempting high-calorie foods. Have a healthy snack beforehand.
• Avoid alcohol when socializing. People who drank about 12 ounces of alcohol before eating ate more than those who drank water, juice, or other beverages. They also ate more quickly.