No, they are not something you install on your car when you are driving past a strip of junk-food restaurants. I’m referring to techniques you can use when you suddenly get hungry for no apparent reason.

These are not meant to be used when you actually need food — several hours after a meal, or after a snack. I’m thinking of times when you just saw a commercial for some greasy sandwich or gooey frozen dessert. Or when you encounter a magazine ad for some new, alarmingly caloric snack food. These tricks can circumvent those annoying battles between you and your appetite, and hold you until mealtime or snack-time.

Eat a sugar-free mint, then drink a glass of cold water. Whee!

Brush your teeth with a strong-flavored toothpaste, then rinse with cold water. It's a good idea to stock your bathroom with several flavors of toothpaste. I have vanilla, watermelon, and bubble gum flavors. I encourage you to try many kinds. (Are you listening, toothpaste companies?)

Have a cup of flavored tea, herbal or green. There are so many great ones available. You could have a different kind of tea with every meal and every snack for days! If you have tea plain or with sugar substitute, this is an unlimited snack.

Drink water, plain or flavored. Have as much as you want. Dress it up with lemon or lime juice — fresh, bottled, or powder — or use flavorings, extracts, or powdered drink mixes (avoid aspartame).

Another approach: Do a bit of exercise. Even five minutes’ worth. This will not only take your mind off your stomach, it will rev up your metabolism and burn off a few of the calories that you already ate.

Whatever you do, don’t give in to the urge to eat when you know it is just the siren call of the junk-food advertiser — trying to get you to ruin your health while improving his wealth.