Mysty PfefferIt’s late in the day and numerous thoughts of food come into my head. Three trips to the cabinet and refrigerator follow each other consecutively. The battle of food cravings begins. It’s also a signal to stop and re-evaluate where I’ve been today, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
As Christians, you and I have comfort knowing we are in the world, but not of the world. We are passing through as sojourners moving through space and time. The call on our lives is to never get settled here. Rather, look with longing towards our true and permanent home. It is also a way to learn. Through trial and error, sadness and fear we cast off temporary comforts here and hope for the glory of a heavenly home.
A place incomparable to our greatest joys on earth. It’s a home without sadness or pain, sorrow or neglect. A residence of fullness, contentment, and joy that fills us to the brim and overflows.
In our hearts we relish the higher journey as our spirits are seated in heavenly places. The spectacular place we will eventually call our permanent home is with an Awesome and Mighty Father. Although, still here in bodily form, our souls linger on the thoughts of permanent peace.
Therefore, the temporary comforts of food cannot compare with the true cravings of our souls. These misguided setbacks in our thinking give us pause as we reframe them into an opportunity. We can reflect on true comfort, physical needs, and spiritual growth.
Question to Ask Ourselves as we Battle Food Cravings
- How much water have I drank today? Did I start my morning with 16 ounces of water? Am I thirsty?—Thirst can be mistaken for a false sign of hunger.
- Have I eaten enough protein today? The average person needs 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. Protein acts as a natural stimulant to suppress our hunger hormones. So, starting our day with adequate protein and consistently eating it throughout the day is a very effective way to battle food cravings.
Good sources of protein are Oikos or Chobani yogurt with 20 grams Protein and zero sugar (stevia). Another is Cottage Cheese. Ground Turkey, Chicken, Salmon, lean grass-fed beef, black beans, chickpeas, or pea powder are also good sources. - Am I eating enough fiber? Fresh greens, fruit with pulp, and small amounts of whole grains like quinoa, wild rice, or oats are very filling and meet our bodies mineral needs at a deep satisfying level. Fiber helps fill us up, move waste products out of our systems and feed our gut bacteria to help them release hormones that also help us stay satisfied.
- Where am I emotionally? Am I feeling lonely, sad, defeated, discouraged about someone or something? How does God want me to deal with this emotion? What do the Psalms say about this emotion and what can I read to encourage me in this moment? God’s word says I am never alone; He is always with me. Is there a friend I can talk to, or a group I can join that will help me feel included and cared for? Where can I volunteer this week and give some of my talent, helping me feel useful and give my life purpose?
- Do I need a multivitamin to help me reach my nutritional needs? It is possible I am not getting the trace minerals necessary for all of my cells through food? A good third party tested and certified multivitamin is a good battle strategy.
- Am I starting my day with sugary items and setting my taste buds up for a quick fix all day? What would be a better choice to start my day?
Scriptures to Battle Emotional Food Cravings
Once you and I question the cause of our trips to the cabinet we can decide how to counteract the trigger. Drinking a couple of glasses of water is an easy fix. Grabbing some much-needed spring greens and protein are, too!
The not so easy task of identifying and confronting emotions is a little more complicated. That’s why I like to talk honestly and openly about these emotions with God. He sees and he knows what I am thinking and feeling.
Opening my bible and finding the verses of promise brings me peace. Meeting people who feel the way I feel reassures me I am not alone in feeling this way. Knowing there is light and purpose in this crazy world through the living and inspired words of Scripture calms my mind and my cravings.
So, if you are in as much need as me for some redirection in the area of food cravings, I am happy to share a few of my favorite passages of Scripture.
In honor of my dad, I am using the New Living Translation for comforting Scriptures today. He loves the simplicity of the wording, and it helps him understand the text better. Knowing his time is short here on this earth gives me a glimpse of my own future and the hope we have in Jesus.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn[ among many brothers and sisters.
No matter what emotional trial we face as Christians, we have the power of God’s Word to help us battle any craving. If we internalize it as the inspired and revealed Word of our Creator, it has the power to diminish every stronghold in our lives! (2 Corinthians 10:4) Especially comfort food.
Taking simple steps to re-evaluate where we are in our thirst, emotions, and our intake will give us time to consider the root of our behavior. I think you and I will find the more we place our trust in God, the stronger we become battling cravings.
Remember, I am here for you if you need a faith-based RN Health and Wellness Coach! You can request and appointment with me today!
I look forward to serving you!
