Overcoming the Cravings -- Eyes on the Prize

I have just started my diet for my bodybuilding competition for which I am currently at 16 weeks out. After day three of my new diet plan, I started to feel hungry. I have heard some concern from friends that I shouldn't be "starving myself", but I do want people to know that I'm not - I'm still eating around 1800 calories a day on the higher end with about 1400 being the lower end. (In fact, I'm not aiming for calories at all - the only reason I'm tracking food is to monitor my macronutrients). But even at 1400 calories, that's not starvation and everything that I am eating is top-of-the-line nutrients (organic lean proteins, complex carbs, vegetables and essential fats) so my body is very happy!

The cravings are happening from my body not getting the same amount of sugar or the same amount of empty calories that it used to. Before, I was eating a lot more lower nutrient high-volume foods. For example, I would eat a cup of Greek yogurt with 1-2 servings of granola (or cereal) and maybe even a portion of fruit. To the average human, this sounds like a healthy dessert or breakfast with a fair amount of protein and vitamins; however, it is actually a 350 calorie sugar-bomb. Revisiting my new diet again, minimizing foods like this have led to some "hunger".

What these hunger pains have helped me to do is increase my hydration. Water can sometimes help counter the cravings when our brain thinks food is telling us that we are hungry. The hypothalamus in the brain regulates both thirst and hunger, and in a culture where food is celebrated at every holiday and social gathering, we become habituated to thinking that subtle sensation means hunger, when we may actually just be thirsty. I've struggled with maintaining good hydration in the past so this has become a benefit for me. Just a side note - recommended water consumption is 2.2L daily for females and 3L daily for males.

Furthermore, another benefit to fighting the cravings is towards the end of the night when the cravings hit the hardest, I am motivated by my previous successful five meals to push through and not fail on the sixth. And when I make it through all six meals without cheating, I feel like I can go to bed with a major sense of accomplishment having practiced numerous qualities including routine-development, self-determination and self-discipline. In just one week of being on this diet, I already have new respect for myself - for my strength, for my motivation, and for my will-power to know that I can succeed at what I put my mind to, and a month from now, I will use this post as my motivation then when I will undoubtably have moments of struggle and needs inspiration to look back on.

I encourage everybody to try something that helps them develop self-discipline while at the same time encourages them to be their own motivator. You are destined for success if you can build your mind to follow this system.