Hack cravings by treating your body like a machine

Medium - Requires some preparation Recommended

Every afternoon it’s the same: a stack of fries, a heavy roll, or a sugary snack calls your name like a siren luring you into a fog of food coma. You know you’ll regret it, but the craving steamrollers your willpower every time.

That vicious cycle isn’t fate. It’s an addiction to simple carbs that hijacks your energy and fuels exhaustion more than fuel. But here’s the kicker: you can rewire those cravings just like an engineer fixes a faulty circuit. Start by giving your body a choice it can’t refuse—leave the carbs out of your kitchen for three weeks and load up on protein and healthy fats instead.

On day one, you’ll feel the pull, and that’s where the real magic begins. Instead of surrendering to the fries, you grab roasted nuts or a cheese stick. Your mind is screaming, but your body sees a new signal: “This is what I get now.” Within days, those fatty proteins quiet the craving beast. A month later, a plate of baked potatoes barely registers as edible.

You’ll find your mood smoother, your energy steadier, and your waistline thanking you with every notch tighter. It isn’t rocket science; it’s simply tapping the right input to reset the machine that is your body. And once your appetite stops hijacking your willpower, you’re free to eat whatever you want—just not those recycled carb traps.

Block out one simple carb from your kitchen for three weeks—no bread, rice, or potatoes. Instead, fill your fridge with prepped veggies and containers of nuts and cheese. Every time you crave a binge, snack on these protein-rich alternatives first. Track your energy and weight weekly to see the transformation. Soon you’ll be amazed that your old cravings feel foreign.

What You'll Achieve

You’ll feel more in control of your appetite and see steadier energy throughout the day. Externally, you’ll shed excess weight and resist carb binges without relying on willpower.

Break carb ruts with predictable routines

1

List your top three cravings

Over two days, note foods you binge on—potatoes, bread, candy. Write each food and a brief description of why it’s irresistible to you.

2

Commit to a three-week carb pause

Choose one simple carb—white rice, potatoes, white bread—and banish it from your kitchen for twenty-one days. Keep only healthy alternatives on hand.

3

Stock crave-proof snacks

Fill your pantry with nuts, cheese, and high-protein bars. When a craving strikes, reach for these first instead of a carb heavy option.

4

Observe your mood and weight shift

Weigh yourself weekly and rate your energy each morning. After three weeks, compare data to see how cravings and energy have changed.

Reflection Questions

  • What’s your hardest carb temptation and when does it hit most?
  • How will you handle a social event when carbs are everywhere?
  • Which protein-packed snack will you prepare first?
  • What energy shift do you hope to feel after three weeks?
  • How can you celebrate when you resist another craving?

Personalization Tips

  • If you’re a morning-sugar junkie, replace toast with mixed nuts and an apple for three weeks.
  • For evening TV binges, swap popcorn for cheese and sliced veggies.
  • On road trips, keep protein bars within arm’s reach instead of fast-food wrappers.
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life
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How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life

Scott Adams 2013
Insight 5 of 8

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