This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Stop destroying your health and fitness goals by indulging
Your answer will unlikely be, “It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced a craving.”
Most of us regular folk have cravings here and there.
But if you’re working on a fitness or health goal, some of your cravings will only produce unproductive results.
When eating clean, my cravings for Oreo, pizza, fries, and burgers must be put on hold for a greater purpose.
Here’s how I get through the cravings:
1. Stay hydrated
The more dehydrated you are, the hungrier and the more cravings you tend to have.
Drink up.
2. Eat
When I’m experiencing a craving, I eat a meal.
I might even pair the meal with a protein shake to make me extra complete.
My metabolism is fast, and I typically try to put on weight instead of losing it, but the same logic applies to those trying to lose weight.
If you’re craving sugar, a beer, or some fast food for Monday Night Football, pair a healthy and wholesome meal with 1–2 large glasses of water and opt out of getting those wings.
3. Eat Again
No lie, if the cravings are getting out of control, I eat again, so I’m so full there is no more room for cravings.
If you’re trying to lose weight, aim for low-calorie meals that are high in protein and low in carbs.
4. Hold Out (Self-Discipline)
I often ask myself: “Who is in control – me or what I’m craving?”
I then think about how I will feel if I keep my word to myself and stick to my routine versus how I would feel if I deviate.
I always feel 100% better when I keep my word to myself.
5. Be Patient
The longer you stay away from your cravings, the less powerful the cravings feel.
After I spend a week splurging and eating whatever I want, I get back on track, but it’s not always easy.
The first day can be as easy as sliding into bed after a long workday or as challenging as eating five cans of green peas in 1 hour.
Sometimes, you have to wait out your cravings and let the energy and power behind them dissipate.
For example, I recently had a three-day splurge.
In prior weeks, it required no effort to get back on track; this week, I’ve been craving pizza and Oreos every day.
But I told myself I would complete my clean eating cycle because that’s the path (healthy living) I’m on, which requires me to predominantly eat clean – especially when I’m on a clean eating cycle.
I’m in charge. Not food.
Discipline Is A Painful Word & Action
Discipline is pain. It’s not always fun in the beginning, but once you start seeing results, discipline becomes addicting.
Winning Is More Fun Than Having Fun
Ed Mylett says winning is more fun than having fun, which is so frickin true.
When you’re losing weight or building your best body, it’s FUN.
Eating everything you want and gaining or maintaining the weight you don’t desire may feel fun for a minute, but then you quickly feel low feelings when you don’t experience any progress on your goals.
Winning will always be more fun than having fun.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.