Hunger Is The First Element Of Self-Discipline

If you can control what you eat and drink, you can control everything else.

It got me thinking....

Let’s face it: self-discipline sounds like a dream until you’re staring down a pint of Ben & Jerry’s at midnight. But here’s the secret: self-discipline starts with the basics, your hunger. If you can control what you eat and drink, you can control everything else. No, seriously.

Take Emily, for example. She came to me frustrated about her career, relationships, and, surprise!, her eating habits. Every time she hit a tough day at work, she’d find herself grabbing a bag of chips, then a few cookies, then, well, you know how it goes. She felt out of control. “I just can’t seem to stop,” she said, exasperated. It’s like... the food has a grip on me, she confessed. After talking it through, we realized something big: her lack of control over her food choices was bleeding into every other part of her life. She couldn’t control her food, and in turn, she couldn’t control her emotions, productivity, or even the way she responded to stress. If she couldn’t manage her hunger, how could she manage the bigger stuff?

Then there’s Ben, who’s all about personal growth. He’d spend hours at the gym, meditating for clarity, working on his business... but when it came to food, he was all over the place. Breakfast? Skipped. Lunch? Whatever’s easiest. Dinner? Let’s see what’s in the fridge. Ben realized his inconsistency with food was creating a chaos effect in his life. He was getting great at controlling his habits in other areas, but his lack of discipline when it came to meals was sabotaging his focus and energy. “It’s like I’m constantly running on empty,” he said. And that lack of fuel wasn’t just about food, it was about his energy, his emotions, and his drive.

And here’s the thing: Science totally backs it up. Studies show that being consistent with our food choices lights up the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that’s in charge of decision-making. Every time you choose a healthy snack instead of indulging in that second donut, you’re literally flexing your willpower muscles. It’s like leg day for your brain, but without the squats. Who knew that skipping the candy bar could be your workout?

So, what does this all mean? If you can conquer your cravings, you can conquer your career, your emotions, and your life. It’s not just about food, it’s about your power to make decisions. Every bite you turn down is a small victory. Every balanced meal is a moment of self-respect.

And maybe the first step toward gaining control over your chaotic thoughts, your scattered energy, and your procrastination habits is managing your hunger. Control your cravings, and suddenly, you're not just in control of your meals, you’re in control of everything else.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a snack in times of stress, pause. Ask yourself: What am I really hungry for? Control what goes into your body, and who knows, you might just find that everything else falls into place.