Cravings Aren't the Enemy - Here's What to Do Instead

You know that moment. It’s late at night, the kitchen is quiet, and suddenly—like a little siren call from the freezer—you hear it. That ice cream is calling your name. Or maybe it’s the popcorn, the chips, or even those hidden treats your husband keeps in his nightstand drawer.

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the pantry wondering, “Why do I want this so badly right now?”—you’re in the right place.

I want to share why your cravings are not the problem—and what you can do instead that will actually make a difference in your life and your health.

Cravings Aren’t a Character Flaw

Let’s just get one thing out of the way first: you are not weak for having cravings. You’re human.

In fact, cravings are your brain’s way of trying to solve something it sees as a problem.

I think back to Alberta winters, when I’d see people bundled up in minus-40-degree weather outside, lighting a cigarette. Why on earth would someone willingly freeze their toes off for that?

Because cravings—whether for nicotine, food, social media, or even approval—feel urgent. They feel important. And most of all, they feel like they’ll fix something inside us. But here’s the thing:

Cravings are just clues.

They’re not the enemy. They’re not a failure. They’re little messengers tapping us on the shoulder saying, “Hey, something’s off. Pay attention.”

What Are You Really Craving?

Let’s get real.

You think you want the ice cream. But maybe what you really want is…

• A reward after a long day.

• Permission to slow down.

• A moment to yourself.

• A sense of comfort or calm.

• To feel like you matter too.

Or maybe the popcorn isn’t about the popcorn. Maybe it’s about missing connection—wishing you had someone to talk to or sit with.

The other day my daughter said, “I just really want some red meat.” Her body was telling her something—probably a need for more iron or protein.

Our cravings, when we stop judging them and start listening, can actually teach us something powerful.

The Science Behind Desire (And How We Reinforce It)

Here’s where it gets fascinating.

Every time you answer a craving—let’s say you’re sad and you grab the chocolate—you’re reinforcing that link in your brain.

Feel sad = eat chocolate.
Feel bored = scroll Instagram.
Feel stressed = pour a glass of wine.

It’s like you’re weaving a thread. Do it enough times, and that thread becomes a rope—strong, automatic, habitual. That’s how cravings become ingrained.

But the great news? We can rewire them.

The First Step to Rewiring: Curiosity, Not Criticism

So what do we do instead of diving into the chips or polishing off that sleeve of cookies?

Start with this one simple practice:

✋ Put your hand on your heart and ask:

“What is it I really want right now?”

This small pause shifts everything.

It creates space between you and the craving. It invites honesty. It brings you back into connection with yourself—which is what your brain was really craving in the first place.

Maybe you’re lonely. Maybe you’re disappointed. Maybe you're just tired and need rest—not sugar. When you build the skill of curiosity instead of shame, you create a new, healthy loop in your brain.

So, What Are You Craving?

Here’s your challenge: Next time you feel a craving rise up—don’t run from it. Get curious.

Ask yourself:

• What’s really going on here?

• What am I feeling?

• What do I need?

• Is there another way I could meet that need—without numbing?

And please, if you’ve been struggling with weight, emotional eating, or feeling stuck in the same old cycle—don’t go it alone.

You’re Not Broken. You Just Haven’t Been Taught How to Listen to You.

I would love to talk with you one-on-one.

Not to sell you on anything. But to help you hear you. To spot the habit that’s hurting you without you even realizing it. To show you that there is a better way—and that you’re not too far gone, and it’s not too late.

Book a free Breakthrough Call with me HERE

Let’s connect. Let’s clear the fog. Let’s make space for the version of you that’s not ruled by cravings—but led by confidence, clarity, and care.

You’re worth it.
And I can’t wait to meet you.

— Dara 🩵

PS want a guide so you can make healthy choices when those cravings hit? Grab my free Healthy Food Swaps guide now!

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