*Post updated October 2022
In my early 20’s I attended a women’s book study at my church on the book, “Made to Crave,” by Lisa Tykerust. I had been battling bulimia and knew that if I was going to defeat this giant, I needed the Lord’s help in a group setting.
During the thick of my eating disorder, I often said, “It’s not fair {she, they, he, everyone else} can eat whatever they crave – but I – can’t!” I succumbed to the belief fed to me by the enemy that God didn’t want me to have the things that others could easily enjoy.
This book gave me a fresh perspective on 1 Corinthians 10:23, which says, “’ We are allowed to do anything,’ so they say — but not everything is good. ‘We are allowed to do anything’– but not everything is helpful.”
Lysa explains that when we try to satisfy our cravings with food, we are actually getting our physical desires met outside the will of God.
Which food or foods do you typically run to meet physical desires? What do you do when you find yourself with cravings outside of God’s will?
Here are some practical tips that have helped me in my journey toward freedom with food.
1. Drink some water
Usually, your body’s need for hydration is mistaken for hunger. Generally, if a craving hits, I’ll chug a big glass of water or drink ice cold LaCroix. For a sweet tooth, I’ll sip on a Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Tea.
2. Brush your teeth
This one is kind of funny, but it works every time. If you’re like me and tend to grab something sweet after every meal, try brushing your teeth. Changing the flavor in your mouth usually nips the craving in the bud. Who wants to combine fresh breath with Doritos?
3. Go for a walk
After I had my first child, I worked in an office FILLED with cookies, chips, and candy bars. Rather than succumb to the 3 pm binge, I would often walk down seven flights of stairs and take a walk outside. By the time I returned to my desk, I had forgotten about the platter of cookies and my tingling legs reminded me how great it felt to move instead of eating.
4. Give into your cravings
This tip is tricky but doable – hear me out. Ask yourself- will I feel condemnation after this craving is met, OR will I feel confirmation? Did your body need the food it was craving, or was the craving purely pleasure? By giving in to your cravings, you will learn more about how you respond afterward, which leads to tip 5.
5. Keep a journal
Write down what you’re thinking when a craving hits! What’s happening around you. Is there a pattern? This works really well in conjunction with tip 4. Also as a bonus, fill the journal with Bible verses you can use as weapons when the craving hits.
Cravings inevitably will happen but with practice, you will start to learn from them.
As Elizabeth Elliot says in her book “Discipline” – “If we are Christians we have the Spirit of God. We are disciplined by that Spirit. “The spirit that God gave us is no craven spirit, but one to inspire … self-discipline”.
Over time you will start to crave His ways more and your fleshly ways less and your self-discipline will become more evident. Have faith in this truth!
Alicia lives in Clearwater, FL with her husband Brian, daughter Hazel and son Heath. Her ministry, Revelation Wellness Tampa Bay, offers, The Wellness Revelation classes online, kitchen cleanouts, as well as cooking and fitness classes for all seeking the Lord’s direction in their health and wellness journey.
10 Responses
I am so thankful for the revwell community giving us a place to come together to share in life together! These tips have truly helped me during this fast immensely. I am surrendering myself to the Lord and giving up the desires of my flesh to revel in what he has for me.
Thank you for sharing your heart and experience, Alicia! This is a RevTip I’ll use as I come out of the fast.
All wonderful tips and so helpful!
I’m so glad this RevTip is helpful for you! We post these RevTips weekly!
Thank you!! I am printing these tips to use them from now on!
cathy
Yay! We’re so glad this is helpful for you!
Thank you so muxh for these awesome tips. I gave in to my cravings last week. I made sure it was 6 or less INGREDIENTS, all natual and i knew what they were. Then i limited myself. It was Gods blessing. I feel so humbled to be getting great cOUncil spiRiTually in His word, information for the mind, soul and body. Thank you for the Tips on craving. I know i will keep theM very close.
Thanks for sharing! We are glad these are helpful for you!
This tip was very helpful. I am so appreciAtive of Rev Wellness
We’re so glad this blessed you, Linda!