Tuesday Tip: Post dinner cravings

Tuesday Tip: Post dinner cravings 🍫🍟🍦

We’ve all been there, you’ve had a balanced, filling meal, you’re not hungry and yet, chocolate, crisps, or ice cream start calling your name.

Post dinner cravings aren’t just about hunger. They’re a mix of psychology, biology, and environment and understanding that makes them more manageable.

High sugar, high fat foods stimulate the brain’s dopamine system. They trigger reward pathways that make you want more, even when your body doesn’t need extra fuel. Stress and emotions also have an impact. Food is a quick comfort, so cravings increase when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or anxious.

The other important factor is restriction. Studies consistently find that strict ‘no treats’ rules backfire. In fact, studies show that people who practice flexible eating (allowing treats in moderation) report fewer and less intense cravings than those who follow rigid diets.

So how can you prevent and manage these cravings?

⁃ Stop demonising foods. Labelling foods ‘bad’ often makes them more tempting. Instead, allow higher calorie foods in moderation and enjoy them mindfully.

⁃ Pair ‘junk’ food with foods higher in nutrients (protein, fibre, vitamins etc) e.g. strawberries, Greek yogurt, and some chocolate

⁃ Plan ahead – having balanced, high-protein meals and snacks on hand makes it easier to resist impulsive choices.

⁃ Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so start with a glass of water before reaching for the snack cupboard.

Remember cravings don’t mean you’ve failed or lost control. They’re simply normal signal. And with the right strategy, you can acknowledge them without derailing your progress.

So next time the ice cream tub calls your name after dinner, pause. Ask yourself: is this hunger, emotion, or just habit? Then decide mindfully.

Happy Tuesday 🤗xx