The Secret Hormone Causing Your Cravings

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 ConfusingOne of the biggest frustrations with cravings is that they don’t come from just one place.They are influenced by:Stress signalsBlood sugar patternsHunger hormonesSleep qualityReward pathwaysThis is why cravings feel unpredictable…but once you understand them, they are actually very patterned.Stress Is Driving More Than You ThinkYour body is constantly responding to stress.And it doesn’t distinguish between:being chasedbeing overwhelmedworrying about your weightstepping on the scaleIt 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: stressAnd stress creates a demand for energy.That demand shows up as cravings.Why You Crave Sugar and Quick FoodsWhen your body is in a constant “go” state:It releases energy into your bloodstreamYour brain expects that energy to be usedIf it’s not used, your body pushes you to consume moreThis is why you crave:sugarsalty snacksrefined carbsNot because you lack discipline —but because your body is trying to keep up with perceived demand.The Blood Sugar LoopOnce you respond to cravings:Blood sugar risesStorage hormones kick inBlood sugar dropsAnother craving beginsThis creates a loop:Craving → spike → crash → cravingThis is where things start to feel out of control.But it’s not random.It’s biological.5. How Sleep Makes Cravings WorseWhen this pattern continues into the evening:Late eatingBlood sugar spikesDisrupted sleepThe next day:You feel hungrierYou feel less satisfiedCravings feel strongerSleep loss amplifies hunger and reduces fullness.6. Why You Feel Hungry Even After EatingThere’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.7. The Pattern Most People MissA very common pattern I see:Not eating much during the dayEating most of your food at nightAnd then trying to “fix” nighttime eating.But the truth is:The reset doesn’t happen at night.The reset happens the next morning.8. The Shift That Changes EverythingInstead of:restrictingcontrollingfighting cravingsI want you to focus on:Supporting your body earlier in the dayEven something small:a light breakfasta simple mealconsistent nourishmentThis helps:stabilize energyregulate your rhythmreduce cravings laterStruggling 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.comWork With Sherry Shaban:Book your FREE 30-minute Food Freedom Call and start your journey to lasting change! www.sherryshabanfitness.com/clarityListen & SubscribeCatch more episodes at www.makepeacewithfood.com/podcast or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube so you never miss an episode!Connect & Go DeeperJoin our Facebook Community: www.myfoodfreedomlifestyle.comWork with Sherry: www.sherryshaban.com/transformExplore more resources: www.makepeacewithfood.comShare Your TakeawayTag us on Instagram (@makepeacewithfoodofficial), Facebook (@MakePeaceWithFoodOfficial), TikTok (@sherryshaban), or LinkedIn (sherryshaban) and share your biggest insight from this episode!