How to Manage Eating Habits During Fasting: A Practical Guide
Today, let's break down why cravings happen during fasting, and how can we stay on track, all through the lens of behavioral psychology (don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple!). Understanding Why We Crave Food During Fasting Let’s start with why you even feel hungry when you’re fasting. Did you know that there are actually four stages your body goes through when you want to eat? Cue: This is the trigger—maybe you see a delicious plate of food or smell something cooking in the kitchen. Your brain says, “Hey, it’s time to eat!” Craving: Once the cue hits, you start craving food. Your body is wired to respond to that smell or sight by making you feel hungry, thanks to a hormone called ghrelin (aka the hunger hormone). Response: This is where the battle begins. Do you reach for the food or stick to your fast? It’s the moment of decision. Reward: Eating gives your body that instant gratification—your hunger goes away, and you feel satisfied. As James Clear explains in his book Atomic ...