Cravings aren’t about willpower. They aren’t about “just saying no” or forcing myself to resist. In this episode, I break down the three major influences behind cravings — and I show why understanding them is the key to finally ending unwanted eating patterns.
Whether you struggle with night-time snacking, sugar binges, or compulsive eating, this episode is for you.
- Psychological & Emotional Influences
I’ve learned that my mind creates cravings in ways I often don’t notice.
- I recognize my scarcity mindset — feeling “not enough,” whether that’s not thin enough, not fast enough, or not perfect enough.
- I see how fear and anxiety trigger cravings for comfort and quick energy.
- I pay attention to the language I use: should, shouldn’t, can’t — they often reinforce scarcity thinking.
Even joyful moments can trigger cravings if I subconsciously feel undeserving or fear that happiness won’t last. I use hypnotherapy to bring unconscious patterns into awareness so I can consciously choose differently.
- Hormonal Influences
I’ve seen how my hormones drive cravings:
- Cortisol spikes when my nervous system is in protection mode, increasing cravings for sugar and refined carbs.
- Insulin stores that blood sugar, creating cycles of hunger and fat storage.
Understanding this helps me realize it’s biology, not a lack of discipline, that often drives my cravings.
- Habitual & Environmental Influences
Many cravings come from habits I’ve trained into my environment:
- Eating popcorn on the couch while watching Netflix.
- Always reaching for dessert after meals.
When I notice these triggers, I can create new routines that support me without relying on willpower alone.
- My Individual Approach
I know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Some cravings are mostly emotional, some hormonal, some habitual. I focus on knowing myself, my triggers, and my body so I can make sustainable choices. My Make Peace with Food metabolic blueprint helps me find foods that fuel me and support lasting change.
- Shift Your Perspective
I focus on behavior as the problem, not the weight. Curiosity replaces judgment. Understanding replaces restriction. Compassion replaces guilt. I remind myself: doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is insanity. Change starts by observing patterns, understanding triggers, and making intentional next choices.
Work With Sherry:
Book your FREE 30-minute Food Freedom Call now and start your journey to lasting change! Schedule here: https://sherryshabanfitness.com/clarity
Stuck in cravings, stubborn weight, or unwanted eating? Download my free e-Book Calm The Hormones That Drive Cravings and reset your body naturally.
Get Your FREE Guide Here: https://sherryshaban.com/hormones
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