The Surprisingly Simple Amazon Hack That Helped Me (Finally) Stop Craving Everything in the Pantry

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I used to think I had decent willpower. I could get through tough work deadlines, awkward family events, and even Sunday morning spin class. But when it came to food cravings—especially the ones that hit around 3 p.m. or right after dinner—I was toast. And not the healthy avocado kind. I’m talking buttered toast with cinnamon sugar kind of toast.
Every day felt like a mental tug-of-war between “treat yourself” and “you’ll regret this.” I’d make it through lunch feeling strong, but then suddenly my brain would start whispering “hey, remember those chocolate-covered almonds you hid behind the quinoa bag?”
I tried all the usual advice. Drink more water. Get more sleep. Chew gum. Distract yourself. Honestly, none of it worked for me in the moment when my cravings were loudest.
But then I stumbled across this weirdly underrated trick that actually worked—and it’s so simple, I almost didn’t try it because I thought, this can’t possibly help.
But it did. It really did.
The Hack: Aromatherapy Nasal Inhalers (Yep, Seriously)
Okay, stay with me.
I was scrolling on Amazon one night (probably after eating something I didn’t need) and ended up deep in a rabbit hole of “natural craving control remedies.” Most of it seemed gimmicky, but then I saw reviews for a product called Aromastick Nose Inhaler – Focus or Calm version.
People were saying things like “stopped my snack attacks instantly” and “I keep one in my purse and use it when I want to eat out of boredom.”
So I ordered one—actually two, because I’m an over-preparer when it comes to Amazon Prime.
The next afternoon, right on schedule, the craving monster showed up. I reached for the chocolate, then remembered the little inhaler tube on my desk. I opened it, took a deep breath through one nostril, then the other.
And… nothing dramatic happened. I didn’t see stars or hear angels sing. But here’s the thing: I forgot about the chocolate.
Seriously. I got up to grab it, then got distracted, then just… didn’t care anymore. It was like the craving just floated away without a fight.
Why It Works (a Non-Boring Explanation)
Cravings don’t just come from your stomach—they’re mental, emotional, and sometimes just a habit loop your brain runs on autopilot.
Scents hit the brain’s limbic system—aka the emotional control center—way faster than thoughts or logic can. So when you smell something like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus (common in these inhalers), it snaps your brain out of craving mode.
It’s like giving your brain a reset button. It’s not magic—it’s science and habit interruption rolled into a tiny plastic stick.
My Favorite Amazon Helpers (aka the Craving Rescue Squad)
Here are the exact tools I’ve been using, all of which you can grab on Amazon without needing to sell your soul or skip your rent:
1. Aromastick Natural Inhaler – “Focus” or “Calm” Version
Link: Aromastick Focus
These little tubes fit in your pocket, purse, or snack drawer. I keep one in my car and one at my desk. When I feel a craving start creeping in, I inhale deeply, and it’s like hitting “refresh” on my brain.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil Roller Ball
Link: UpNature Peppermint Roll-On
This one’s more of a spa moment, but it works just as well. I roll it on my wrists or temples when I feel snacky. The minty coolness helps shift me out of “snack mode” and into “I got this” mode.
3. Water Bottle with Fruit Infuser
Link: Hydracy Fruit Infuser Water Bottle
Sometimes, your cravings are just thirst in disguise. I add lemon, cucumber, or berries and sip throughout the day. It keeps me hydrated and gives my tastebuds something to focus on besides cookies.
4. Tongue Scraper (Yes, for Real)
Link: MasterMedi Tongue Scraper
Okay, this sounds unrelated, but stick with me. A clean tongue = cleaner taste buds = fewer weird flavor cravings. I use it after meals and swear it helps keep me from grazing mindlessly after dinner.
Other Tiny Tricks That Helped (That Cost $0)
• Brushing my teeth after dinner – The minty taste shuts down my desire to eat more.
• Saying out loud “I’m not hungry, I’m just bored” – Sounds cheesy, but the awareness helps.
• Walking outside for 5 minutes – If you can shift your environment, even briefly, cravings shrink fast.
Real Talk: This Isn’t About “Willpower”
Before this, I spent years beating myself up over my cravings. I thought something was wrong with me. But now I realize most of us just never learned tools that actually work for us individually.
This isn’t about being “strong” enough to resist the cookie. It’s about having a few smart tricks up your sleeve when your brain goes, “EAT. THE. COOKIE.”
These inhalers and oils don’t fix everything, but they buy me the 5–10 minutes I need to decide if I really want something, or if I’m just running a habit loop.
Most of the time, I end up not needing the snack at all. And that small win feels so freaking good, especially when you stack a few of them together.
Final Thoughts: Cravings Are Normal. But Suffering Through Them Doesn’t Have to Be.
Look, if you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge looking for something salty/sweet/cheesy/crunchy while knowing you’re not even hungry—you’re not alone.
But you also don’t have to keep white-knuckling your way through it.
Try the nasal inhaler. Keep a roller in your bag. Fill your water bottle with lemon and mint. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared.
And hey, worst-case scenario, your nose smells amazing and you skipped an unnecessary snack. That’s a win.
If you’ve got your own craving hacks, I’d love to hear them. Drop them in the comments so we can build the anti-snack army together. 💪
Because let’s be honest… the snacks are organized.
It’s time we were too.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.
If you’re into real talk about life’s messier moments, loneliness, starting over, and figuring it all out. I host a podcast called Alone-ish where I get into all that and more. It’s basically me, some unfiltered thoughts, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling a little… alone-ish. https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ju9x9j8Q4RiONDf5XJ0g5?si=LYOFRkenSn-Pg4VTClRoog

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