Trying to lose weight? Here’s some advice on handling cravings from the book “How to Lose 9,000 lbs. (or less)” (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who’ve done it:

“When I need a sugar fix, I reach for a handful of pretzels or a 100-calorie pack of Chips Ahoy cookies.”

“To stop a sugar craving, eat a pickle! No kidding, it really works.”

“I usually go to bed if the craving gets too bad. Once you fall asleep and wake up the next day, the cravings are usually gone—at least for a little while.”

“Just give in. If you are dying for Oreos and can think of nothing but Oreos, have one or two. That’s better than letting the craving build to the point where you put away a box of them in one sitting.”

“Meditate. I know it sounds crazy, but if you just find a quiet place where you can sit with your eyes closed, you can make the cravings stop. It’s mind over matter and not as hard as you might think. Do it in the dark if you can. Just sit and close your eyes: Think of something else. You have to learn to concentrate on clearing your mind. If you sit like that for just 10 or 15 minutes, you will feel very refreshed.”

Hundreds of Heads Books’ survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life’s biggest challenges and have insight to share.