Edit: Adding the test below which is the original instruction I received back in 2003 on taking this stuff. This is directly from Julia Ross's work as I understand.

If you just can't get control over your cravings it may not be all about "will power." You may be lacking in some important nutrients. I learned about this from The Diet Cure and have been amazed at how well they work. Taking the correct dosage at the right times is important to how well they work.

To put an end to cravings for sweets & starches, try a combo of glutamine & chromium. This usually eliminates cravings in 24 hours.

500-1500mg L-glutamine first thing in the morning, midmorning, & midafternoon200mcg Chromium with breakfast, lunch, dinner & at bedtime
If you overeat to help you deal with emotional pain try adding DLPA at the time you take glutamine.
500-1000mg DLPA (DL-phenylalanine)
For relief in 10 minutes in case of 
500mg L-glutamine taken by opening a capsule under your tongueGlutamine and DLPA are amino acids & are found naturally in protein.Start with the lowest dosage suggested. If you don't feel relief within 30 minutes add a bit more.Amino acids should be taken at least 20 minutes before eating protein.
        

I take chromium daily but it does nothing for my cravings (although others report good results). L-Glutamine, on the other hand, works well for me. 1/4 tsp under the tongue seems to work like a charm. I wouldn't be without the stuff.