Knowing the difference between hunger and cravings is a skill you’ve got to develop if it’s proper, lasting change you’re after.
It’s the difference between fuelling your body because it genuinely needs it and diving headfirst into a bag of biscuits because you’re stressed, bored, or just in the habit of grabbing something sweet at your desk.
Hunger is your body’s way of saying, “Mate, I need some fuel here.” Cravings, on the other hand, are like a toddler throwing a tantrum in Aldi—they don’t actually need what they’re screaming for, but the tantrum, it’s difficult to ignore.
So, how do you tell the difference?
Hunger Is Physical, Cravings Are Emotional, but a bit physical too.
Here’s a quick explanation:
Hunger:
Hunger builds gradually, starting as a little nudge, turning into a shove with both hands the longer you go without eating. You might feel a rumble in your stomach, a burning feeling, low energy, or even light-headedness. When your hungry your body is asking for nutrients.
Cravings:
However, are more like a spotlight on one specific thing—usually something sugary or UPF. It’s sudden, intense, and often triggered by emotions, habits, boredom, or even just the sight of food because your brain knows the hit of unbelievable happiness that cake is going to give you.
This is an over simplistic explanation, but it works for where we are.
If you’ve been eating croissants, biscuits, full fat coke, meal deal sandwiches, chocolate and crisps all day, then washing it all down with 5-6 pints after work, then the craving for sugar will be a physical one.
Remember The Sugar Cycle From Hell at the beginning of this course.
Here it is again to refresh your head.
The Sugar Cycle From Hell
When you break The Sugar Cycle From Hell by following the 9 previous steps, your hormones will be more in balance, your body will be getting all the healthful nutrients it needs and the physical cravings for sugar and UPF will stop being physical.
This is the reason I wrote this course.
So you can break free of The Sugar Cycle From Hell, release yourself from the physical cravings for sugar and UPF and take back control of your healthful eating habits.
Ask yourself this: “Would I eat something boring like a plain piece of chicken or a boiled egg right now?” If the answer is yes, you’re probably hungry. If the answer is, “No, I need chocolate, crisps, or a biscuit,” it’s a craving.
Why Cravings Feel So Strong
Let’s not sugar-coat it mate (pun intended): cravings are a product of your brain being hijacked. UPF and sugary snacks are engineered by scientist to light up your brain’s reward system like a Christmas tree.
They’re addictive by scientific design, making them hard to resist.
On top of that, when life kicks off—stressful jobs, chaotic schedules, bedtime tantrums, tired and pointless arguments with your other half about utter nonsense, it takes it toll and leaves you feeling knackered.
When your overstimulated and vulnerable, this is when cravings take full advantage of your weakened defenses, and your cravings sleepwalk you to a quick fix for comfort or quick energy.
Here’s something you already know.
Those cravings don’t solve the problem. They just drag you further from your low-sugar, low UPF goals and closer to bigger jeans, chippy tits and muffin tops.
Break Free and Take Back Control
As of today mate, cravings don’t control you—you control how you respond to them.
It takes practice to tune into your body’s signals, but every time you choose real hunger over a craving, you’re building a habit that lines up with your low-sugar and low UPF goals.
Recognising hunger vs. cravings isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about progress.
Every time you pause, assess, and choose healthful food intentionally, you’re taking another step toward the life you want—one with more energy, better health, and less dependence on sugar and processed junk.
Now, let’s start tuning in.
Your body’s cues are there—they just need you to listen.
And I'll show you what to look out for in the Part 3.
Off you pop, and i'll see you there.