how to tame a dragon

Learn how to tame your cravings

I doubt there is anyone born into this world with textbook perfect eating habits. Though many parents do their utmost to keep their children away from sweets and crisps, eventually the ready availability of these products in our everyday lives guarantee that the kid will eventually eat them... and love them.

It is safe to say that each of us has our sin when it comes to food. Some have a sweet-tooth, others prefer saturated fats, alcohol, and (unfortunately nowadays) wheat-based foods. We all know what our sin is, and that guilty feeling is ever present when we eat too much of that particular food. We know it’s wrong, because that’s what the media and health-experts say right? But if it is not good for our health, why would our health departments allow these foods to be available everywhere?

In truth, no food is bad, and we’re blessed to live in a time of plenty and a time where food companies no longer use Industrial Revolution era preservatives in their foods anymore (you won’t believe the stuff they used back then… honestly, look this up). And I’m sure that none of the entrepreneurs who made it big in the food industry had long-term plans to increase diabetes and obesity worldwide, or indeed ever had such a plan. I am also sure that, with the awareness there is nowadays, food companies often do try to obtain the best, freshest ingredients for their product. It is the unfortunate reality of economic survival that forces them to opt for less expensive, more synthetic materials.

With that out of the way, we have to embrace the fact that these food items are here to stay, and that it is now up to us to balance our cravings and make the right choices for our health.

Taming rather than Repressing

Instinct is stronger than reason. This is something that you have to bear in mind when you make the decision to clean up your eating habits. If the body wants something, it’s going to get it. You may win over your impulse today, maybe even tomorrow. But on Thursday you’re going to be at work, and halfway through the day your boss tells you that you’re going to have to work double shift because a colleague of yours called in sick, and now you’re frustrated that all your plans after work went to hell, and you’re gonna eat that damned Snickers bar. Instinct wins, you lose. Game reset.

You cannot work against your body - period. What you need is to have a method where you can satisfy your craving without too many negative repercussions.

Remember, a healthy diet is a varied and balanced diet, not a perfect diet.

How to tame a craving in 3 steps:

1. Know your sin

We all know what it is we eat/drink that is not really good for our weight and health. Start from there, what is your sin? Is it chocolate? Is it fizzy drinks? Is it wine? Choose an item that is guaranteed to please you.

2. Dictate the time and amount of sin

This takes a little preparation. When you wake up, spare a quiet minute and write down the amount of sin you are allowed to make and at what time. For example, “I will have one medium slice of apple pie after lunch,” or “I will have a glass of red wine with my dinner.” It is very important that you do this when your mind is freshest (usually a few minutes after you wake up). And keep the size of your treat appealing, but within reason, not too small or too large, so that you’ll be looking forward to that treat throughout the day, and you will be satisfied when you have it.

3. Stay in control

Cravings are not well-behaved or controllable. That craving for something tasty may claw at your mind at any time of the day without warning. When that happens, remind yourself of the pact you made with yourself: there is a specific time during that day when you will appease your cravings, and you’re going to be strict with yourself about that time.

When you practice this exercise you will notice that during the day you have fewer cravings, and when you do have them, they will be weaker than normal. No one really protests for something they want if they know that they’re going to get it.

Basically what you are doing here is working with your biology rather than against it. You will appease your craving, but on your own terms. Try it for a week or two, see how it works for you.

Until next time, stay strong.