Cravings Out of Control? It’s Not About Willpower
By Jill Rehimi, Registered Holistic Nutritionist
You swore you would be "good" this week.
You started the week with the best intentions: healthy meals, snacks prepped, maybe even skipped the sweets aisle.
But now it’s 3 PM... or maybe it’s 8 PM, after the kids are in bed and the day has finally slowed down — and all you can think about is chocolate, chips, or something carby and comforting. Again.
Sound familiar?
If you’re stuck in the cycle of eat clean → crave → cave → repeat, you’re not alone. And here’s what no one tells you: it’s not about willpower.
Why You Crave (Even When You're Trying Your Best)
Cravings are not a character flaw. They’re your body’s way of waving a flag that something’s out of balance. And more often than not, the issue isn’t in your head — it’s in your biology.
Let’s walk through a few reasons why cravings show up, especially when you're doing "everything right."
1. Blood Sugar Swings
If you skip meals, rely on caffeine first thing, or eat too little protein in the morning, your blood sugar spikes and crashes. When that crash hits, your brain goes into panic mode: "Must get energy now."
Quick fix: Start your day with protein and healthy fats. Eggs with avocado, chia pudding with nut butter, or a smoothie with seeds and protein powder can work wonders.
2. Gut Microbiome Imbalance
Some bacteria in your gut thrive on sugar — and they know how to get your attention. An imbalanced microbiome can actually influence your cravings, pushing you toward more sugar to feed the overgrowth.
Quick fix: Add fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or plain kefir. They help diversify your gut flora and quiet the sugar-loving microbes.
3. Chronic Stress or Burnout
Your nervous system plays a huge role in digestion and cravings. If you’re constantly on the go, in a state of low-grade stress or burnout, your body will crave quick fuel just to keep up.
Quick fix: Build in micro-rest throughout your day. Even 5 deep breaths before a meal or a 10-minute walk without your phone can help your system reset.
It’s Not a Discipline Problem — It’s a Regulation Problem
You might be thinking, "I just need to try harder." But the truth is: you can't out-discipline a dysregulated system.
Cravings are a biological signal, not a personal failure. And when your gut, hormones, and blood sugar are out of sync, no amount of self-control will fix the root.
What will? Rhythm. Consistency. Nervous system safety. And food that supports your biology, not fights it.
A Cravings-Balancing Snack to Try Today
Next time that mid-afternoon crash hits or you're feeling extra snacky at night, try one of these snacks instead of sugar or chips:
* A handful of almonds or pumpkin seeds
* A boiled egg or scoop of hummus
* A square of 85%+ dark chocolate
* Herbal tea with cinnamon or licorice root
They deliver the protein, fat, and minerals your body actually needs — and help you feel grounded, not guilty.
What Your Gut Has to Do With Cravings
Your gut is deeply involved in regulating hunger hormones like ghrelin ("feed me") and leptin ("I’m full"). When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, those signals get crossed.
The result? You might feel hungry when you're not, or struggle to feel satisfied after eating. Combine that with stress and low energy, and cravings become constant background noise.
Constipation, bloat, cravings, fatigue — they’re all symptoms of a body that needs regulation. And often, that regulation starts in the gut.
How to Reset Without Going Extreme
You don’t need to go sugar-free for life. You don’t need to cut out carbs or download another food tracking app.
You need a pause.
A reset.
A chance to support your gut and give your body the tools to self-regulate again.
That’s what my 14-Day Gut Reset was designed for.
Ready for a Spring Reset?
If you’re tired of the cravings-crash-repeat cycle, the 14-Day Gut Reset gives you a step-by-step way to reboot your digestion, balance your blood sugar, and feel more like you again — naturally.
No extremes. No fads. Just food that works with your body.
✨ Think of it as your seasonal reset: fewer cravings, steadier energy, clearer mind.
You Might Also Like:
- Why Am I Always Tired (Even When I Sleep?)
- Constipation Isn’t Normal—Here’s What to Do About It
- Is Your Skin Trying to Tell You Something? The Gut-Skin Connection Explained
About the Author
Jill Rehimi is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist specializing in gut health, energy optimization, and realistic wellness for busy people. She believes true health comes from sustainable habits, not extremes — and helps her clients reset their bodies and reconnect with how good they’re meant to feel.
Learn more about Jill’s approach here or check out the 14-Day Gut Reset here.
