Today’s episode is a game-changer. We’re talking about the emotional rollercoaster that is the bathroom scale — and why it’s NOT the best measure of progress. If you’re ready to stop starting over every Monday and want to feel actually in control around food, you need to hear this.

Why the Heck Do We Keep Eating When We’re WAY Too Full?

Today’s topic: why do you keep eating even though your stomach’s basically screaming, “Stop! Enough! I’m full!”?

Let me tell you, it’s not just you. It’s a thing. And I’m here to break it down.

Picture this:

You’re eating dinner, you’re full — like, stomach’s about to burst full. But then the light switch flips. Suddenly, you’re back at the table, shoveling food in like it’s a competitive sport. What happened? How did that happen? This isn’t some slow internal debate; it’s a snap, a flip, a light switch moment.

Here’s why that switch gets flipped, and what to do about it:

Reason #1: You Feel Like You Got It “Wrong”

We all know the classic rule: Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. Great in theory, right? But perfectionists (hello!) put pressure on themselves like it’s a math test.

“Am I full now? Did I eat too much? Should I have taken that last bite? Am I messing this up?!”

Imagine if a neon “STOP EATING” sign popped up over your head the moment you were full — spoiler: it doesn’t. Instead, your brain’s running a chaotic, judgmental dinner party in your head (hi, Michael Scott Dinner Party vibes).

So, when you feel like you “messed up,” your brain throws in the towel and says, “Well, might as well keep going!”

Tip: Ditch the “got it wrong” guilt trip. Instead, ask yourself, “How will the next bite make me feel?” and remember — this is a learning curve, not a perfection contest. No neon signs here, just you figuring it out.

Reason #2: You Feel Like You Screwed Up (Cue the Guilt Spiral)

This one’s a close cousin of #1 but with a darker twist: the guilt trip.

Say you’re at your parents’ house, they order pizza, and you think, “Okay, I’ll have some — but only a little!” Meanwhile, in your brain, there’s a soap opera playing:

“I shouldn’t be eating this.”
“I’ll have to work out twice as hard tomorrow.”
“I’m so bad for eating carbs.”

That guilt story can switch your light to “Go Big or Go Home” mode, turning a slice of pizza into a full-on binge fest.

Tip: When guilt sneaks in, get real with facts — no emotions allowed. Pizza is pizza. It’s delicious. That’s it. Drop the drama and call a truce with your food. Facts only.

Reason #3: You’re Eating for Reasons Other Than Hunger (Hello, Emotions)

Ah, the classic emotional eating trap.

Sometimes, food isn’t about fuel — it’s about numbing feelings. Lonely? Anxious? Sad? Food becomes a comfy distraction, a fuzzy blanket that masks what you’re really feeling.

And here’s the kicker: when guilt hits afterward, your brain focuses on shame, not the actual feelings underneath. So the emotional mess just bubbles up — and more food goes down to cover it.

Tip: Next time the light switch flips, pause and ask: “Why am I really eating? What am I feeling?” It’s okay to feel those feelings. We gotta feel it to heal it, my friends.

Bonus Real-Life Mom Moment

Okay, before we wrap this up — a quick personal story. I record my podcast in my closet (don’t judge). Today, my kid’s monster truck fell on my foot. Yep. The kind of ouch that turns your foot purple in minutes.

Moms, you know the struggle. Kids somehow manage to be tiny tornadoes of chaos and accidental pain.

So if you’re here trying to navigate food, emotions, and life while occasionally getting battered by tiny humans, just know: you’re not alone. We’re all doing our best here.

Follow me for daily tips on Instagram! @kellylwellness

Are you ready to stop overeating and finally be in control around food? Watch my FREE training How to Stop Binge Eating (Without Cutting Out Your Favorite Foods) to learn how it’s possible!