And Pretending It Is Might Be Why You Overeat
Let’s just say it out loud:
An apple does not hit the same as an Oreo.
And no — that doesn’t make you weak, out of control, or “bad with food.”
It makes you human.
So many of us are taught that if we want something sweet, indulgent, or satisfying, we should “just have fruit instead.” As if swapping foods is supposed to magically erase a craving.
It doesn’t usually work out that well… here’s what usually happens instead.
What Happens When You Ignore a Craving
You notice the craving.
You try to be “good.”
You grab the apple.
And for a moment, it feels like you did the right thing. But your body doesn’t forget what it actually wanted.
So the craving comes back.
A little louder.
A little more persistent.
Maybe later that night.
Maybe the next day.
Until suddenly you’re halfway through a sleeve of Oreos thinking,
“What is wrong with me?”
Nothing is wrong with you.
Cravings Aren’t a Willpower Problem
Cravings aren’t random.
They’re your body communicating a need — for energy, satisfaction, pleasure, or comfort.
When you ignore a craving, your body learns one thing:
I’m not being listened to.
So it keeps asking.
Louder.
More urgently.
With more intensity.
Honoring Cravings vs. Ignoring Them
Here’s the shift most people don’t realize:
– Honoring a craving builds trust
– Ignoring a craving creates urgency and overeating
When you allow yourself to eat the Oreo without guilt, your body learns that food isn’t scarce and pleasure isn’t forbidden.
And when food isn’t scarce?
The binge urge loses its power.
Oreos don’t cause binge eating.
Food doesn’t cause loss of control.
Guilt does.
Food rules do.
Restriction does.
The belief that you have to “earn” or “deserve” certain foods does.
When you eat something while feeling ashamed, rushed, or afraid, it’s almost impossible to feel satisfied — which often leads to eating more, not less.
What Food Freedom Actually Looks Like
Food freedom isn’t eating Oreos all day.
It’s:
- Eating the Oreo when you want it
- Enjoying it without mental negotiation
- Stopping when you’re satisfied
- Trusting yourself around food again
If This Feels Familiar…
If you’ve tried to “be good,” ignore cravings, swap foods, or rely on willpower — and still feel out of control around food — you’re not failing. You’re just using tools that don’t work long term.
Healing your relationship with food means learning how to listen to your body, honor cravings without fear, and remove guilt from the equation.
And that’s something you don’t have to figure out alone. If you want support learning how to eat what you want and feel calm around food again — without rules or shame — I’d love to help.
I’m now offering 1:1 monthly nutrition coaching. If you’ve read all the tips, downloaded the free guides and still are struggling with the day-to-day how, I’m here to help you. Monthly coaching includes weekly 30-minute nutrition coaching sessions with email support between appointments so that you’re not left with questions until your next session or find yourself spiraling out. Check out the details here.
Not sure if you’re ready to commit to monthly coaching and want to try out one session first, we can do that too!
And if you don’t have the time for 1:1 sessions but would prefer a self-paced nutrition course where I cover all the basics of ending the diet cycle plus more on meal planning, grocery shopping and so much more, check out my nutrition course “Your Guide to Sustainable Nutrition”.