I'm a fairly low-maintenance kind of a gal. Most of my problems can be solved with chocolate ? whether I'm grumpy, sad, having a bad day or rewarding myself, chocolate always seems to do the trick. Well, most of the time anyway.

But three top-decks, two kit-kats, a tin of chocolate-chip cookies, a packet of gum chums and nine cups of hot chocolate later, I'm beginning to wonder if this is really a healthy approach to my problems. For while I'm all for 'comfort food', I suspect that indulging in so much chocolate may just be contributing to my rollercoaster of emotions... not to mention my rapidly expanding waistline.

And just in case you're smiling smugly in your chocolate-less superiority, I'll take this moment to point out that many 'comfort food' evils exist alongside chocolate.

Ah yes, for by definition, 'comfort food' is simply any food or drink which, by its familiarity, simplicity or chocolatey goodness, provides some sense of temporary respite, reward or security. Unfortunately we tend to crave these foods when we are stressed and our sense of judgment is somewhat impaired.

Men, generally, crave whole meals which are either fatty or full of carbohydrates ? pizza, stews, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, fries and bangers and mash. Women, on the other hand, tend to prefer sweets, chocolate, ice-cream, cookies and snacks.

And while one solution to the problem is simply to ignore the cravings and get on with your miserable, stressed-out life, this won?t bring you much joy or satisfaction. A far more preferable solution is to satisfy your cravings with healthy alternatives.

For that chocolatey craving...

If you must eat chocolate, make sure you choose dark chocolate that is rich in cocoa (at least 60 percent). This doesn't contain as much sugar as other chocolate, is far healthier and you'll only need one or two pieces before your craving is satisfied.

If you are cooking, use cocoa and margarine instead of unsweetened baking chocolate or use carob. Once you get used to the taste, carob makes an acceptable chocolate substitute. Drink warm (unsweetened) cocoa instead of hot chocolate or have a cup of rich spiced chai.

For that creamy craving...

The ice-cream binge ? so difficult to resist, even in the middle of winter. And yet, if you've ever actually made ice-cream, you will know that such binges can only result in off-the-chart blood-sugar levels and a decidedly un-svelte figure.

The solution: plain/Greek yoghurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of yoghurt. Or whip up a delicious yoghurt-based smoothie with fresh fruit or honey and spices such as vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.

For that crunchy salty craving...

Addiction is easy for the salty-crunchy-craver. The common crisp is a formidable enemy ? so many flavours, so many options ? all deep-fried and bursting with MSG flavour. Next time you feel the urge to polish off a large packet of tomato Fritos, reach for a packet of nuts instead. Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews or walnuts will all satisfy your craving, while at the same time providing you with vital protein and antioxidants.

Snack on pumpkin or sunflower seeds and olives or, if you're a fan of sushi, nibble on some seaweed. Seaweed is salty and crunchy and it has particularly high levels of iodine and fibre. If you're looking for something to stick in that tasty avocado dip, make some pitta sticks. Brush pitta breads on both sides with some olive oil and cover in sesame seeds. Cut them into strips and bake them until they are crisp and golden.

For that candy craving...

The candy crash cycle: you feel tired; you have some candy; you feel energised; you crash; you feel tired; you have some candy. And so it goes... on and on and on. A better option is to go for a complex carbohydrate (sugar is a simple carb), like pasta, beans or lentils, which will boost your energy or mood without causing you to crash.

Unfortunately this is unlikely to soothe your craving for something sweet. Fruit will ? dried or fresh, fruit is full of fibre, antioxidants and vitamins. It will boost your health, make you feel full, and satisfy your candy craving.

For that wholesome craving...

But it's food, I hear you say, how bad can it be? Well, that depends on how often you eat it and how it's made. If vegetable soup happens to be your 'comfort food', by all means eat it regularly, but eating a greasy burger five days a week could lead to some serious heart trouble.

Whatever your indulgence, here a few tips for keeping it healthy.

And finally, if you absolutely have to indulge in your favourite comfort food, make sure that the portion is small and that it doesn't happen too often.