11: The Science of Cravings: Why We Can't Say No

01/28/25 • 23 min

In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody unpacks one of the most frustrating aspects of eating: cravings. Why do we reach for chips, cookies, and comfort foods even when we know they don’t align with our goals? The answer lies in the intersection of biology, psychology, and the food industry’s engineering of irresistible flavors.

Jody dives into the science of cravings, explaining concepts like the “bliss point” and dopamine’s role in our brain’s reward system. She also explores the evolutionary hangover that makes us crave calorie-dense foods and how modern food environments amplify those instincts.

But this episode isn’t about blame or guilt—it’s about understanding the why behind cravings and learning how to work with your body instead of fighting against it. From managing stress and sleep to embracing food neutrality and balancing indulgence with nourishment, Jody shares practical tools to help you break the cycle of overeating and create a healthier relationship with food.

So, if you’ve ever felt powerless around processed foods or wondered why your cravings feel so strong, this episode will give you the insight and strategies you need to take control without feeling deprived.

As Jody reminds us: you can still have your cake—just with balance, intention, and a mindset that serves your goals.

🔹 Listen now and start breaking free from the diet cycle today! 🔹

Here’s how I can help:
✨ 1:1 Coaching – https://deliciousdeficit.com/coaching/private
✨ Group Coaching (Project 10) – https://deliciousdeficit.com/coaching
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🥗 Free Meal Prep Salad eBook – https://deliciousdeficit.com/ebooks/saladsFollow on Instagram: Instagram.com/deliciousdeficit

As Jody reminds us: you can still have your cake—just with balance, intention, and a mindset that serves your goals.

🔹 Listen now and start breaking free from the diet cycle today! 🔹

Previous Episode

10: How to Get and Stay Motivated

Welcome to the How to Eat Cake on a Diet podcast, where we explore the messy, transformative process of health and weight loss. I’m Jody, and today, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood topics: motivation. Whether it’s eating better, moving more, or tackling life’s to-do list, motivation often feels fleeting. But here’s the thing: motivation isn’t magic—it’s something you can cultivate and use to your advantage.

In this episode, we break down the science of motivation, how to harness it, and what to do when it’s nowhere to be found. From understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to practical tips for eating better and moving more, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to fuel your journey.

🔹 Listen now and start breaking free from the diet cycle today! 🔹

Next Episode

12: Breaking Down Sugar Myths

In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in health and weight loss: sugar. Sharing her personal journey of losing 74 pounds while still enjoying candy bars and chocolate cake, she highlights the importance of shifting from restriction to balance.

Jody debunks some of the biggest sugar myths, including whether sugar is truly addictive like drugs, if all sugar is bad, and whether cutting sugar completely is necessary for health. She explores the science of sugar cravings, how hyper-palatable foods are engineered to hit the “bliss point,” and why psychological triggers like stress and deprivation amplify our desire for sweets.

Most importantly, Jody shares actionable strategies to redefine your relationship with sugar. From practicing food neutrality and managing your environment to prioritizing whole foods and savoring treats without guilt, this episode empowers you to enjoy sugar in moderation while aligning with your goals.

Sugar doesn’t have to be the enemy—it’s about understanding its role and making intentional, balanced choices. By the end of this episode, you’ll be armed with tools to break the cycle of cravings and build a healthier, more sustainable approach to eating.

If you’re ready to enjoy sugar without guilt and create lasting habits, this episode is for you!

🔹 Listen now and start breaking free from the diet cycle today! 🔹

How to Eat Cake on a Diet - 11: The Science of Cravings: Why We Can't Say No

Transcript

Welcome to How to Eat Cake on a Diet. I’m your host, Jody, and today we’re diving into one of the most frustrating parts of eating: cravings. Have you ever caught yourself halfway through a bag of chips or going back for “just one more” cookie? It’s not just about willpower, and it’s definitely not just you. There’s actual science behind why some foods feel impossible to resist.

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into why processed foods hold such power over us. We