I’ve never awakened in the morning and thought to myself, “Wow, I could really go for an apple!” I can honestly report that I’ve never experienced a strange craving for broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach, cantaloupe, kiwi, blueberries, or any other healthy food when I open my eyes in the morning. The closest I’ve ever come to desiring something good for me when I first get up is being thirsty for a glass of water.

Judge me if you must, but my cravings usually don’t land on the side of “healthy” and “good for you.” I have, however, done battle in the past with a strong desire to gobble a raspberry jelly donut and a fresh cup of Joe. No amount of shaming by well-meaning health conscious people makes those craving go away.

I’ve always known that there are certain edibles that are excellent for one’s health, and others that clearly don’t add much value. I seem to crave food from the categories that aren’t particularly healthy, and there appears to be very little that I have discovered that has caused these cravings to subside in a substantial, life-altering way. I’ve read articles and books about it, I’ve watched video clips of buff older men who claim to have finally conquered the “battle of the bulge,’ and I’ve heaped self-loathing statements on myself until I’m exhausted.

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do” (Romans 7:15, NKJV).

When I first looked at Romans 7, I could’ve sworn that the author had been peeking over my shoulder and was describing my unfortunate and pitiful battles at ridding myself of food cravings. I have always wanted to do better, but… “Boy, could I eat an entire cheese pizza right now!”

“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25, KJV).

Victory over any unhealthy desire in my life has never been an “arrival”…it has always been a journey. I have discovered that eating better doesn’t necessarily mean that I won’t get cravings. I now eat an apple when I wake up…but I often still think about a raspberry jelly donut. God is helping me, and step by faltering step I’m learning to walk beside Him despite my constant cravings.

Written by Michael Temple

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