5 TIPS TO AVOID FOOD CRAVINGS... On your fat loss journey.

For some of you, when trying to stick to a calorie deficit, food cravings can be the main factor stopping your progress. My worst is white chocolate... I've never taken heroine but it can't be far off surely? Dieting is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Whether you are on a nutrition plan for a lean bulk/cut or just wanting to lose some fat, here’s my advice on reducing food cravings so you can stay on track.

1. Know your trigger foods

Ask any competitive bodybuilder & they will be able to fire off a top 10 list of trigger foods – those highly-palatable treats that are hard to say no to. Get one step ahead by knowing what sets you off. Is it sweet or savoury foods, Krispy Kreme or Twiglets? Everyone’s got something, so try your best not to have them in the house.

2. Prep & plan

Planning your meals & meal prepping is a great routine to get into regardless of your nutrition plan. Keep protein & veg in the fridge, fill your freezer with portions of macro-friendly meals & ensure you’ve got a snacks in your bag to aid your goals. By prepping in advance, you will always have healthy, on-plan food which is, most importantly of all, convenient! No matter how busy or tired you are. Finally, never fall into the trap of choosing meals or buying food when you are tired or stressed, which usually leads to poor choices.

3. Don't get started

There might be some people in the world who can have one Jaffa Cake & put the rest away, but that's not me or anyone I've ever met. Don't tempt cravings by getting started, there’s no such thing as just a taste, nibble, or bite. Instead portion up a set amount you're allowed or avoid them completely.

4. Hydration

It’s true what they say – we often mistake hunger for thirst. So before you give in to a food craving, have some water to see if that tackles some or all of the issue. Try food pairings too, in which you allow yourself the snack only once you have finished a glass of water or other healthy food option.

5. Clear your feed

Your Insta might be a minefield of triggers for your food cravings. Do yourself a favour & spare yourself the painful cheatmeal reels from The Rock or steak bake skits from Greggs. Have a cull & fill your feed with content in line with your goals. (We did an article on this so check it out)

There are plenty more tips but I wanted to keep it to 5 today. Let us know below how you get on? See you next week to discuss the quickest possible way back to your best condition after a break from the gym.

Elliot Hutchinson // 04.04.2025

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