If you've ever found yourself reaching for sweets even when you're not physically hungry, you're not alone. Sugar cravings aren't simply about lacking willpower. They're often your body's way of signaling that something deeper is going on.

In this episode of the Endurance Eats Podcast, sports dietitian Alex Larson breaks down the many reasons you may be craving sugar or struggling with overeating. We talked about last week underfueling, but this week, we are diving deeper! From medications and medical conditions to emotional stress, lack of sleep, and fueling habits, you'll learn why these cravings happen and what you can do about them.

Whether you're an endurance athlete looking to optimize performance or someone trying to build a healthier relationship with food, this episode will help you better understand your body's cues instead of fighting against them.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why sugar cravings aren't always about self-control

• How certain medications can increase appetite and cravings

• Medical conditions that may contribute to overeating

• The connection between stress, emotions, and eating habits

• How poor sleep and fatigue impact hunger hormones

• When binge eating disorder may be part of the picture

• The role alcohol and other substances can play in appetite regulation

• Practical strategies to identify your personal triggers and respond with intention

00:00 Understanding Sugar Cravings in Athletes

02:50 Exploring Underlying Medical Conditions

04:41 The Impact of Emotional Eating

09:00 Addressing Binge Eating Disorder

10:19 Influence of Substances on Appetite

This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.

If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.

You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com.

This Episode is Brought to You By Carb Culture Shop

Grab your merch from the shop with saying that endurance athletes just get!

This episode is brought to you by Thorne. Shop Thorne Supplements and get 15% off

https://www.thorne.com/u/alexlarsonnutrition

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian https://alexlarsonnutrition.com

• FREE Carb Loading 101 Guide https://alexlarsonnutrition.myflodesk.com/carb-loading

  
  

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition

• Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com

  
  

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes.

Have Questions or Suggestions?

Send me a message, and I might cover it in a future episode!

If you find yourself standing in the pantry every night looking for something sweet, you're not alone. But what if those cravings aren't about a lack of self-control?

In this episode of Endurance Eats, Alex Larson breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about evening sugar cravings. Instead of blaming willpower, she explains how underfueling throughout the day often leaves your body searching for quick energy at night.

You'll learn why restrictive eating, skipped meals, and not eating enough carbohydrates or protein can set you up for intense nighttime cravings, especially if you're an active person or endurance athlete.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why nighttime sugar cravings are often a sign you're not eating enough during the day

• How underfueling impacts your energy, recovery, and hunger hormones

• Common nutrition mistakes that lead to late-night snacking

• Simple ways to fuel consistently so you feel satisfied all day

• Practical strategies to reduce cravings without cutting out your favorite foods

If you're tired of feeling like you're "failing" every evening, this episode will help you understand what your body is really asking for and how to respond with confidence.

Tune in for practical nutrition advice that helps you fuel better, recover stronger, and build sustainable eating habits that support both your performance and your everyday life.

00:00 Understanding Sugar Cravings

08:40 Strategies to Combat Evening Cravings

This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.

If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.

You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com.

This Episode is Brought to You By Carb Culture Shop

Grab your merch from the shop with saying that endurance athletes just get!

This episode is brought to you by Thorne. Shop Thorne Supplements and get 15% off https://www.thorne.com/u/alexlarsonnutrition

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian https://alexlarsonnutrition.com

• FREE Carb Loading 101 Guide https://alexlarsonnutrition.myflodesk.com/carb-loading

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition

• Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes.

Have Questions or Suggestions?

Send me a message, and I might cover it in a future episode!