How I Deal With Cravings Without Feeling Deprived

Because ignoring them usually backfires

Author

Hunter Stoler
August 18, 2025

Everyone has cravings… sweet, salty, or both. They can hit when your blood sugar dips, when emotions are high, or simply when you haven’t eaten enough throughout the day. Instead of trying to ignore cravings (which almost always backfires), I’ve found ways to work with them. Here are some of the strategies I personally use:

Sweet Cravings
1. Greek Yogurt Bowls – Almost every day, I have a protein-packed yogurt bowl, either for breakfast or as a midday snack. I build it like an ice cream sundae… Greek yogurt mixed with my favorite protein powder, then topped with frozen organic wild blueberries, organic peanut butter powder, and granola (either Seven Sundays or NuTrail). It’s high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and has some healthy carbohydrates… leaving me satisfied for HOURS.
2. Water + Electrolytes – Plain water all day can feel boring, so I add my favorite electrolytes into it at least once a day. They make me drink more water, help me feel fuller, and support hydration. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to keep cravings at bay.
3. Protein Bars – For a quick pre-workout bite or when I’m on the go, I grab a high-quality protein bar. They taste great, have clean ingredients, and give me steady energy instead of a sugar crash. I also love a mid-day Midday Squares!
4. Going for a Walk – This one might sound simple, but it works. When I’m craving something sweet after a meal, a walk often makes the craving disappear… and it helps digestion and clears my mind at the same time.

Salty Cravings
1. Popcorn – A high-volume, low-calorie snack that’s crunchy and satisfying. I go for brands like Gheelish, LesserEvil, or Whole Foods’ organic popcorn made with extra virgin olive oil. Skip the SkinnyPop and SmartFood… they aren’t made with healthy ingredients.
2. Veggies with Hummus – This is a go-to snack for me that I always keep on hand. Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers with a clean hummus like CAVA. Look for ones without any seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower, etc.). This gives me crunch, fiber, healthy fats, and flavor all in one. Having pre-cut veggies ready in the fridge makes it effortless!
3. Beef Sticks – A portable, protein-rich option that curbs salty cravings FAST! I look for ones that use grass-fed beef, no seed oils, and minimal added ingredients. They’re great for travel, busy days, or whenever I need something more substantial than potato chips.

The Bigger Picture
Here’s the truth: no food should be completely off-limits. The key is learning how to satisfy a craving without going overboard. I don’t keep trigger foods in my home; if they’re not in the pantry, then they can’t tempt me… simple as that. Cravings are normal, so plan for them instead of pretending they won’t happen. Balance and moderation are what make healthy habits sustainable for the long run.

Another lesson I’ve learned: don’t try to completely replace the food you’re craving. If I want a bite of ice cream, eating blueberries, an apple, a protein bar, and popcorn as substitutes usually leaves me unsatisfied. Instead, having the one bite of ice cream often does the trick.

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter! If you’re seeing this… comment your favorite emoji on my recent Instagram post. Let’s see who’s reading until the end! 😅
– Hunter

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