You Know You’re Not Hungry, So Why Do You Want to Keep Eating?

You’ve just finished dinner. Your belly is filled. Yet, your mind is filled with thoughts of what else to eat. Crackers, cookies, more dinner, ice cream.

It defies all logic. Your body doesn’t want food, but another part of you, a loud and clear part, does. You’re wondering, how can I be hungry and full at the same time?

I know how confusing and frustrating this internal battle is. You don’t want to eat when you’re not hungry. Your body doesn’t want to eat when you’re not hungry. But you want more food.

What the hell is going on?

Let’s explore just a few reasons this could be happening for you.

Did you miss something?

Eating for pleasure is a birthright. But that may not be your experience. Eating may feel like a chore, something you just need to check off the to-do list.

Or, you may not even take the time or slow down enough to even enjoy the pleasure of eating. Sitting together with loved ones can feel nourishing, no matter what food is on the table.

When you finished your meal, were you able to receive what was offered? Did you feel connected to the tastes, smells and textures of the food you ate? Did you feel connected to the conversations and people you were breaking bread with?

If you didn’t, this isn’t something to feel guilty or ashamed about. If you were like me growing up, we sat around the coffee table in front of the TV for most of our family meals. Mindful eating wasn’t a thing, and my mind was on a few other things besides the food in front of me.

You may want more because you’re craving the contentment from finishing a satisfying meal.

Did you eat what you wanted to eat?

Diet culture tells us what foods are “good” and what foods are “bad”. It’s common to choose to eat things we think we SHOULD be eating instead of eating foods we know we will enjoy eating.

Before I practiced Intuitive Eating, I’d always choose the lowest calorie or “healthiest” food. This is one of the many gifts of Intuitive Eating. I learned to let go of those food labels, ask myself and give myself permission to eat food that I would enjoy eating and would satisfy me.

If you want to eat a grilled cheese sandwich, no amount of baby carrots and hummus will satisfy you. It will only leave you wanting more.

Is there a rebel voice living within you?

“I deserve to eat this.” “Screw this, I can eat what I want.” “I need to eat this now because I can’t eat it tomorrow.”

Our internal voices are powerful. You may be noticing a rebellious voice, one that doesn’t want to be controlled. This voice is our response to someone or something trying to tell us how to eat and what to eat. It’s a reaction to diet trauma.

This voice is trying to maintain your own freedom and autonomy around food choices. It may sound like a young child stomping their feet and saying, you can’t be the boss of me. Or, it may be angry and determined to let the world know that you decide what to do with your body.

This voice is trying to protect you, but it doesn’t serve your desire to listen to the signals your body is sharing.

What is your body asking for?

You may be bone tired and need energy. You may be confronted with a problem at work and just don’t want to deal with it. You may feel overwhelmed by life, a pandemic, vaccines, school at home, on and on.

Food can offer you some temporary energy, distraction, and comfort.

You may also need to feel safe. You may want the weight and certainty of food in your belly so you can feel secure. Sometimes overfilling gives you this physical experience.

It’s okay that you’re seeking food for other reasons than physical hunger. It doesn’t make you a bad, out of control, or crazy person. It just makes you human.