Cravings can feel random.
Like they come out of nowhere.
Like something is wrong with you.
But what I want you to understand in this episode is this:
Cravings are not about willpower.
They are about physiology.
More specifically — they are driven by hormones responding to your stress, sleep, food patterns, and emotional state.
- Why Cravings Feel So Confusing
One of the biggest frustrations with cravings is that they don’t come from just one place.
They are influenced by:
- Stress signals
- Blood sugar patterns
- Hunger hormones
- Sleep quality
- Reward pathways
This is why cravings feel unpredictable…
but once you understand them, they are actually very patterned.
- Stress Is Driving More Than You Think
Your body is constantly responding to stress.
And it doesn’t distinguish between:
- being chased
- being overwhelmed
- worrying about your weight
- stepping on the scale
It all registers the same.
So when you’re thinking:
- “I need to lose weight”
- “I shouldn’t have eaten that”
- “I’m out of control”
Your body hears: stress
And stress creates a demand for energy.
That demand shows up as cravings.
- Why You Crave Sugar and Quick Foods
When your body is in a constant “go” state:
- It releases energy into your bloodstream
- Your brain expects that energy to be used
- If it’s not used, your body pushes you to consume more
This is why you crave:
- sugar
- salty snacks
- refined carbs
Not because you lack discipline —
but because your body is trying to keep up with perceived demand.
- The Blood Sugar Loop
Once you respond to cravings:
- Blood sugar rises
- Storage hormones kick in
- Blood sugar drops
- Another craving begins
This creates a loop:
Craving → spike → crash → craving
This is where things start to feel out of control.
But it’s not random.
It’s biological.
- How Sleep Makes Cravings Worse
When this pattern continues into the evening:
- Late eating
- Blood sugar spikes
- Disrupted sleep
The next day:
- You feel hungrier
- You feel less satisfied
- Cravings feel stronger
Sleep loss amplifies hunger and reduces fullness.
- Why You Feel Hungry Even After Eating
There’s a disconnect many people feel:
You eat…
but you’re still not satisfied.
This happens when your body becomes resistant to fullness signals.
So instead of:
“I’ve had enough”
Your body keeps saying:
“Keep going.”
This is not a mindset problem.
It’s a signaling problem.
- The Pattern Most People Miss
A very common pattern I see:
- Not eating much during the day
- Eating most of your food at night
And then trying to “fix” nighttime eating.
But the truth is:
The reset doesn’t happen at night.
The reset happens the next morning.
- The Shift That Changes Everything
Instead of:
- restricting
- controlling
- fighting cravings
I want you to focus on:
Supporting your body earlier in the day
Even something small:
- a light breakfast
- a simple meal
- consistent nourishment
This helps:
- stabilize energy
- regulate your rhythm
- reduce cravings later
Struggling with emotional or binge eating? Download my free guide, Calm the Craving: 7 Steps to Break Emotional and Binge Eating and finally end the cycle of out-of-control eating: www.sherryshaban.com
Work With Sherry Shaban:
Book your FREE 30-minute Food Freedom Call and start your journey to lasting change! www.sherryshabanfitness.com/clarity
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