The most addictive foods my clients struggle with
As a health coach, I've consistently noticed the same list of foods come up for clients when it comes to overeating. The foods that my clients (and myself!) tend to overeat or binge are not a mystery—they come up time and time again. Here's a list of the usual culprits:
Pizza
Popcorn
Chips
Crackers
Ice cream
Cookies
Chocolate
Nuts
What do all these foods have in common? They are highly processed or hyperpalatable foods. These are foods that are engineered to be irresistibly delicious, often making it difficult to stop once you start. Even almonds that are considered “healthy” can pose a problem when they are roasted, salted, and that combo of crunch and salt becomes addictive.
One phrase I hear all the time that raises a red flag for me…
"Once I start eating, I just can't stop.”
I hear this frequently from clients around these hyperpalatable foods. Other variations are things like:
“I just can't control myself.”
“I tell myself I'll just have one, and then I ate four."
Sound familiar? If this is something you’ve said, you’re not alone. It’s an incredibly common struggle, and it’s not just about willpower.
So, should you avoid these foods completely? Or is it okay to indulge once in a while? Well, the answer depends on you.
Here Are 3 Questions to Ask Yourself:
When it comes to the foods that you typically overindulge in, here are 3 questions to ask yourself to help decide if you want to cut them out or keep them in:
Is it hard for you to stop at one? If you find that eating just one bite of something like chocolate or pizza takes a lot of willpower and self-discipline, it might be a sign that this food isn't working for you right now.
Does it escalate the next day? Does eating one piece of cake lead to a whole weekend of unhealthy choices? If so, it might be an indication that this food is setting off a chain reaction that’s harder to control.
Does it take up a lot of mental energy? Are you constantly thinking about whether or not to have these foods, or when you’re going to eat them next? If these foods increase your food chatter, taking up mental space, it’s time to assess your relationship with them.
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, consider eliminating these foods for a period of time. Doing so can help reset your cravings and allow you to see if they eventually die down. Feeding cravings repeatedly can often escalate the desire for certain foods, and for some people, that can become problematic.
However, if you don’t feel this intense reaction and can maintain a sense of control, then it may be more about finding a balance and moving toward a more peaceful relationship with food. If you can eat these foods without triggering a cascade of cravings or food chatter, it may be okay to enjoy them in moderation.
The key is to move in the direction that gives you more peace. Food doesn’t need to dominate your thoughts or actions. Finding a way to eat mindfully and without guilt is the ultimate goal.
The Takeaway:
Your relationship with food is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is to find what gives you peace—whether it’s learning to enjoy these foods in moderation or taking a break to reset your cravings. Listen to your body, observe how certain foods make you feel, and choose a path that supports your overall well-being.
Need help figuring out your relationship to food? That’s what health coaches are for! Schedule a free discovery call with me and we’ll talk all about you and what you want for yourself.
