It's important to recognize the differences between hunger and a craving so that it's easier to tell the two apart.
Hunger is your actual need to physically eat food. As living things we must eat in order to survive so yes...hunger is definitely something to address! By definition, hunger is the painful sensation or state of weakness caused by the need of food. Cue in gurgling, growling, and that empty hollow feeling! If you are actually hungry, any food will cure those pangs.
Start paying attention to these cues and understanding when you are a little hungry versus actually about to bite someone's head off!
A craving on the other hand is a desire for a specific food... pizza, candy, junk. Usually these are foods high in carbs and junk and out side of your usual realm of eating.
A craving will generally hit when there is something else going on in the background, stress, boredom etc. The key is to recognize these triggers and unless you are allowing yourself a treat meal or special occasion stay away and go do something else. Take your mind off it!
Some tips:
Go for a walk
Chew gum
Listen to music
Read a book
etc...
A cheat meal can do wonders for you both mentally and physically but not all the time!