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Life After Diets


Apr 30, 2025

In this live-streamed episode, Stef and Sarah explore the nuanced world of cravings — what drives them, how they differ from binge or overeating urges, and why they’re often more complicated than they seem.

They discuss the physiological and emotional undercurrents behind cravings, from hormonal shifts to nervous system dysregulation, weaving in personal experiences — including Stef’s two most memorable pregnancy cravings.

The conversation unpacks how cravings show up differently for restrictors versus permitters, how appetite and craving aren't always the same thing, and what it looks like to approach cravings from a more regulated, self-led mindset.

Rather than reducing cravings to something to fix or fear, this episode invites a deeper, more compassionate understanding of them — one that honors both biology and psychology.

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

01:27 Defining Cravings
03:02 Personal Experiences with Cravings
05:05 Cravings vs. Binge Urges
08:03 Cravings and Emotional Regulation
13:20 Cravings and Permission
16:40 Understanding the Root of Cravings
20:02 Pathology in Wellness Culture
20:51 PMS Cravings and Appetite
21:38 Understanding Cravings vs. Wants
24:31 The Role of Restriction in Cravings
29:45 Cravings and Recovery
33:26 Cravings vs. Urges

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon