Why You Crave Junk Food (and What It’s Really Telling You) 🍦🍫
It’s spooky season… and let’s be honest, even the strongest willpower can be tested by that bowl of mini candy bars.
But those sugar cravings aren’t just about “lack of discipline.” There’s real biochemistry behind why we reach for carbs, sweets, and processed snacks — especially when we’re tired, stressed, or emotional.
🍬 The Science of Sugar Cravings
When you eat processed sugar, or refined carbs (think: candy, pastries, chips, French fries and anything made with processed flour), your blood sugar spikes — giving you a short burst of energy and dopamine (the brain’s “feel good” chemical).
Think of it like… shopping. Shopping for something you want feels good, right? It’s a dopamine hit.
But this feeling doesn’t last… because shortly after, you will want something else shiny and new.
It’s the same with your food choices. Except it happens far more quickly.
Soon after eating the (enter processed food here) blood sugar crashes, leaving you irritable, anxious, and craving more quick energy. This creates a vicious cycle that keeps you reaching for more sweets.
🦠 Feeding the Wrong Gut Bacteria
Here’s where it gets even more interesting — those cravings aren’t only coming from you.
Your gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract) actually influences what you crave. When we regularly consume processed foods and sugar, we feed the “bad” bacteria and yeast that thrive on it.
It’s not you… it’s literally… THEM.
🔥 Inflammation and Mood Connection
Sugar doesn’t just affect your waistline — it impacts your mood, metabolism, hormones, skin…
Refined sugars trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the gut and brain. Inflammation in the gut can reduce serotonin production (the neurotransmitter that supports mood, sleep, and emotional balance).
That’s one reason people often feel more anxious, moody, or tired after periods of sugar overindulgence
Recap:
You eat sugar → blood sugar spikes
Gut bacteria and yeast get fed → they send signals for more sugar
Inflammation increases → mood dips, cravings rise
You reach for more sugar to feel better… and the cycle continues
💡 What Helps Break the Cycle:
Eat quality protein and whole fiber-filled foods at each meal to stabilize blood sugar.
Ex: Steak and asparagus… Egg's and sautéed spinach… Not fiber pills, or powder.
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Incorporate probiotic rich foods (like Good Culture, or Nancy’s cottage cheese, 2 tbsp of raw sauerkraut) to restore a balanced microbiome.
Take a daily probiotic.
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Prioritize sleep and stress management — both can reduce carb cravings. I know… I know… this one gets harder with changing hormones, etc. But powering through your day on caffeine alone, is the fastest way to bowl of candy… or popcorn.
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Get curious about the messages your body is sending you, not hypercritical. When cravings hit, ask yourself if you’re hungry, stressed, or simply tired.
You are NOT bad, or lacking discipline if you find yourself in a bowl of popcorn and bottle of wine… or reaching for “just one” candy… and eating 5.
Your body is ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS speaking to you.
With the right support, your body can recalibrate, your gut can rebalance, and your mood can lift.
Just do me a favor… get ahead of these cravings by eating something with QUALITY protein and a little bit of fiber before you head out to Margs, or a party.
It could literally be— 2 organic turkey slices, on 3 pieces of fluffy romaine with a drizzle of olive oil.
You’ve GOT this. 😘
Show those bacteria who is boss.