There are several crazy diet fads out there, but there are also some tips that celebrities and every day people have come up with to help them get through their day. Healthy diets are important, but everyone can use extra help sometimes. Here are a few diet and exercise “cheats” that can give you an upper edge without going to extremes.

When do you feel most energetic? When does your energy drop? Do you take a coffee break at 3pm only to crash at 4pm? Perhaps you need to tweak your rhythm. Eat healthy, full meals that appeal to you. You need to be comfortably full and satiated, but not stuffed. You will move more throughout your day and your mood will be higher.

If you have a craving for sugar or are just munchy without being actually hungry, try chewing some gum if appropriate. If you have an office or private working space, bubble gum is even better. Choose a sugarless variety that is beneficial for your teeth. People who chew gum actually get higher test scores as it sharpens your mental faculties. The burst of sweetness, the fun and pep of blowing some bubbles, and the sharpness of mind will give you a pick up. If you are attending a setting where there is a lot of food being served and you don’t want to overeat, eat what you have decided to eat, and then discreetly pop a piece of chewing gum. Having the gum in your mouth will help you from inadvertently grazing and the taste sensation will help you feel like you aren’t being deprived. It will also freshen your breath, clean your teeth, improve your digestion, and burn more calories!

For your afternoon slump, pack some almonds and a banana. You will get a great energy burst from the banana’s B vitamins and natural sugars without a candy bar’s crash. If you can, take a brisk walk or do some jumping jacks. With oxygen in your system, you will be alert and alive. You could even take a quick dancing break to bring back your mojo!