Cravings can feel like a tidal wave—loud, urgent, and impossible to ignore—yet they’re far from random. We dig into what a craving actually is, how it differs from hunger, and why your brain can fixate on sweetness or crunch even when you “should” be fine. As a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor, I break down the science in plain language and show how biology, mindset, and environment combine to create that intense pull toward specific foods.

We start with the body’s signals: how undereating lowers blood sugar and flips on a survival response, why cutting carbs makes your reward circuits hypersensitive to sugar, and how hormones like ghrelin and leptin change with dieting, stress, and poor sleep. Then we look at psychology—the scarcity effect that turns “off-limits” into irresistible, the hidden power of mental restriction and food labels, and the all-or-nothing patterns that fuel the binge–restrict cycle. You’ll also hear how environmental cues, social media, and habitual routines (Netflix snacks, anyone?) train cravings even when you’re not hungry.

Most importantly, we lay out practical, sustainable steps. You’ll learn how regular meals and snacks stabilize energy and mood, why adding carbohydrates back into meals often quiets the sweet tooth, and how to loosen rigid rules without abandoning nutrition. We’ll practice mindful pauses to identify whether you’re hungry, seeking comfort, or responding to a cue—and how to honor each scenario with care. The goal isn’t perfect control; it’s trust. When you treat cravings as information, not evidence of failure, they lose their edge and you gain freedom with food.

If this resonates, hit follow, share with a friend who’s stuck in the craving–restriction loop, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your stories and questions shape future episodes—what cue triggers your cravings most?

Learn more at behindtheplate.ca

Grab the free Hunger & Fullness Cues Guide: behindtheplate.ca/hunger-fullness-cues

Explore The Empowered Eating Journey: behindtheplate.ca/empowered-eating-journey