Understanding the Three Influences Behind Cravings: Psychological, Hormonal & Habitual

Cravings aren’t about willpower. They aren’t about “just saying no” or forcing myself to resist. In this episode, I break down the three major influences behind cravings — and I show why understanding them is the key to finally ending unwanted eating patterns.

Whether you struggle with night-time snacking, sugar binges, or compulsive eating, this episode is for you.

1. Psychological & Emotional Influences

I’ve learned that my mind creates cravings in ways I often don’t notice.

• I recognize my scarcity mindset — feeling “not enough,” whether that’s not thin enough, not fast enough, or not perfect enough.

• I see how fear and anxiety trigger cravings for comfort and quick energy.

• I pay attention to the language I use: should, shouldn’t, can’t — they often reinforce scarcity thinking.

Even joyful moments can trigger cravings if I subconsciously feel undeserving or fear that happiness won’t last. I use hypnotherapy to bring unconscious patterns into awareness so I can consciously choose differently.

2. Hormonal Influences

I’ve seen how my hormones drive cravings:

• Cortisol spikes when my nervous system is in protection mode, increasing cravings for sugar and refined carbs.

• Insulin stores that blood sugar, creating cycles of hunger and fat storage.

Understanding this helps me realize it’s biology, not a lack of discipline, that often drives my cravings.

3. Habitual & Environmental Influences

Many cravings come from habits I’ve trained into my environment:

• Eating popcorn on the couch while watching Netflix.

• Always reaching for dessert after meals.

When I notice these triggers, I can create new routines that support me without relying on willpower alone.

4. My Individual Approach

I know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.Some cravings are mostly emotional, some hormonal, some habitual. I focus on knowing myself, my triggers, and my body so I can make sustainable choices. My Make Peace with Food metabolic blueprint helps me find foods that fuel me and support lasting change.

5. Shift Your Perspective

I focus on behavior as the problem, not the weight. Curiosity replaces judgment. Understanding replaces restriction. Compassion replaces guilt. I remind myself: doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is insanity. Change starts by observing patterns, understanding triggers, and making intentional next choices.

Work With Sherry:

Book your FREE 30-minute Food Freedom Call now and start your journey to lasting change! Schedule here: https://sherryshabanfitness.com/clarity

Stuck in cravings, stubborn weight, or unwanted eating? Download my free e-Book Calm The Hormones That Drive Cravings and reset your body naturally.

Get Your FREE Guide Here: https://sherryshaban.com/hormones

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