As soon as you start eliminating particular foods from your diet, a desire for them usually develops. Next thing you know, you're caving and overindulging in the sweet, salty, and savory goodies in the pantry.
Although food cravings can be annoying, you don't have to give into them. Quit sabotaging your gains by giving in to your cravings.
So what’s causing these pesky cravings?
Food cravings are influenced by the parts of the brain that are in charge of memory, pleasure, and reward. The majority of food cravings are related to highly appealing, processed foods that activate the reward centers of the brain.
Food cravings frequently stem from habits, emotions, and changes in brain and body chemistry rather than lacking nutritional requirements.
What’s the difference between hunger and cravings?
Hunger is a physical response to lacking nutrients (stomach growling, dizziness), while
cravings are a psychological response to types of foods, tastes and textures.
You need to ask yourself, are you hungry or just craving something?
Your body has a natural response to the hunger hormone Ghrelin…not gremlin….
Ghrelin is released around the same time you’d typically have a meal. This is your brain telling you “I’m hungry!” even if you’re not actually needing caloric intake. This is where those pesky cravings kick in.
Here are a few strategies to keep hunger down
Prioritize foods with higher volume and lower calories
Drink a lot of water before eating, and eat slower
Stay away from liquid calories
Prioritize your protein intake with every meal so that you fuller longer
Reduce the amount of high palatable food you eat.
Tired of cravings derailing you?
Train With Dave's nutrition coaching is built exactly for this. Free 45-minute consult at our Orange County studios.
Book Your Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between hunger and a craving?
Hunger is physical — stomach growling, dizziness, low energy. A craving is psychological — a pull toward a specific taste or texture, triggered by habit, emotion, or brain chemistry. They feel similar but need different responses.
Do cravings mean my body needs a nutrient?
Usually no. Cravings typically come from habits, emotions, dopamine, or ghrelin timing — not nutrient deficiencies. That's why chocolate cravings aren't fixed by magnesium supplements.
How do Train With Dave coaches help clients in Orange County manage cravings?
We build meal plans that front-load protein and fiber, time meals around your schedule, and use the Train With Dave app to spot patterns between you and your coach. It reduces cravings without extreme restriction.
How much does personal training cost in Irvine, Orange, or Laguna Hills?
Train With Dave averages $60 to $80 per session — includes a fully customized workout program, personalized nutrition plan, training app, and direct trainer access between sessions. Exact pricing is customized during your free consultation.
Ready to Transform Your Body in Orange County?
Train With Dave has helped thousands of Orange County residents achieve their goals — with locations in Irvine, Orange, and Laguna Hills.
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