We’ve all been there. You’re stuffed but you still reach for another bite (or five). Why does this happen? And more importantly—how do you stop? Kelly dives into the emotional, psychological, and mindset-driven reasons why fullness isn’t always the end of eating, and shares her top tips to shift from ‘wtf why did am I still eating’ to ‘no thanks… I’m full!’ 

🚨 Scenario: You Know You’re Full… and You Keep Eating Anyway

You’ve eaten. You’re full. Maybe uncomfortably so. But there you are, back in the pantry like you’ve blacked out and suddenly it’s Girl Scout cookie season.

What gives?

Well, there’s more going on than just hunger. In fact, hunger probably left the building 15 minutes ago. Here are the Top 3 Reasons you’re still eating—and how to handle it like the self-aware food freedom queen you are.

1. 🧠 You Think You “Got It Wrong”

Cue the inner voice:
“Wait, am I full? Maybe I’m not full. Maybe I just need one more bite to be sure. Should I stop now? But what if I’m hungry later? Oh no, I messed this up!”

Welcome to Perfectionist Dining Theater, starring you.

The truth is, there’s no magical neon sign that lights up when you’re supposed to stop eating. (Although I’d pay good money for one.)

When we turn eating into a performance of “getting it right,” we create so much pressure that we end up blowing past fullness just to prove… what? That we suck at eating?

Try this instead:
Ask yourself, “How will the next bite make me feel?” That’s it. Not “Am I allowed?” Not “Am I failing?” Just… what do I actually want right now? It’s not a test. It’s a relationship—with your body. Be a better partner.

2. 😞 You Feel Like You Screwed Up

You had pizza when you said you’d eat clean. You had a second helping when you swore you wouldn’t. You grabbed dessert after you already felt full.

So what do you do?

If you’re anything like me circa 2010, you double down with some self-loathing and a side of snacks. “Well, I already messed up… might as well finish the bag. I’ll be good tomorrow.”

(Translation: Let’s party now because the food police are coming.)

Try this instead:
Speak facts only, friend. No emotional drama. You ate a slice of pizza. That’s all. The sky didn’t fall. You don’t need to join a juice cleanse cult now.

When you strip food of moral labels, it stops controlling your choices. You’re not “bad” for eating bread. You’re just…a human. Who eats bread.

3. 😬 You’re Using Food to Avoid Feelings

You’re not eating because you’re hungry—you’re eating because you’re anxious, lonely, bored, overwhelmed, or your toddler threw a plastic truck at your foot (true story, 10/10 don’t recommend).

Food becomes a buffer. A distraction. A perfectly socially acceptable way to avoid your emotions and look cute doing it (hello, ice cream and Netflix).

But here’s the deal: What you resist, persists. If you don’t face the real emotion, it’ll keep boomeranging back until you do—probably with a pint of cookie dough in hand.

Try this instead:
Pause. Ask, “What am I really feeling right now?” You don’t need to fix it. Just name it. “I’m lonely.” “I’m overwhelmed.” That small moment of awareness is huge.

Because guess what? You have permission to feel your feelings without a fork in your hand.

🎯 So, What Now?

Let’s recap:

• If you feel like you “got it wrong” → Ditch the perfection. Ask how the next bite will feel.
• If you feel like you “screwed up” → Speak facts only. Food isn’t a moral issue.
• If you’re avoiding feelings → Name the feeling. Let yourself feel it without numbing out.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

🎉 Final Thoughts (a.k.a., Kelly Gets Real)

Here’s the deal: Fullness is just one piece of the food freedom puzzle. If stopping when you’re full worked 100% of the time, none of us would be here right now, frantically Googling “why am I eating even though I’m full” with one hand in a bag of trail mix.

But you’re here. And that means you’re learning, growing, and taking back your power.

So next time that light switch flips and you feel the urge to keep eating when you’re stuffed, take a breath. Then try one of these tips. And if all else fails? Have compassion. That’s the real secret sauce.

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!