Holy, Healthy, Whole: Growing Fruits of the Spirit for Weight Loss and WellnessNäide

Lasting Fruit Skill #4 - Conquer Cravings

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Throughout this study, you’ve learned the importance of developing spiritual fruit that lasts. The more you mature in faith, the more you’ll have resources to manage cravings and temptations.

Sometimes food cravings seem to come at lightning speed, and the force of them can feel overwhelming. The Holy Mess teaches a method called the 3Ps for managing food cravings.

3Ps for Food Cravings and Temptations

The 3Ps for Food Cravings are:

• Pause
• Pray
• Plan

How to Use the 3Ps

This is a specific strategy to use when a food craving strikes. Here's how the 3Ps work in everyday life.

1. Pause

When a craving hits, stop. Slow down your thoughts. Slow down your behavior. Breathe. You don’t have to immediately put the food you crave into your mouth.

Consider questions like these:

• Is this food on my food plan?
• Is this food nourishing for me?
• Will eating this move me toward or away from my weight loss goals?
• Am I honoring God by eating this?

2. Pray

Ask God for help to manage the craving. God promises that when you are tempted, He will give you a way out. Pray for God to show you that way out.

3. Plan

You don't have to avoid all treats and special foods during weight loss. You just need to plan for them.

When you're craving a specific food, plan to have it tomorrow or another day. You can still enjoy the foods you like, just not at the moment you crave them.

When you give in to cravings, you make them stronger. Instead, make plans for treat foods when they are within your control.

Reflection: How often do you give in to food cravings? Which step of the 3Ps do you need to work on the most?

Prayer: Lord, I've developed a habit of giving in to my cravings for junk food and treats. The next time I'm tempted, help me to pause, pray, and plan instead. I can't do this on my own, but I know it's possible by the Holy Spirit's power. Amen.