Let’s talk about the truth behind nighttime binge eating and the mistakes you might be making without even knowing it. If you’re tired of eating “perfectly” all day only to unravel at night, I’m here to tell you you’re not broken. You’re just stuck in a cycle that needs a different approach, and this episode is a great start! 

🚫 Mistake #1: Thinking Mindful Eating Alone Will Save You

Ah, mindful eating. The darling of the wellness world. You light a candle, chew 37 times, stare at your quinoa with loving eyes, and voilà — you’re healed, right?

Wrong. Because binging is literally the opposite of mindfulness.

You’re not zen in lotus pose whispering affirmations when you binge — you’re in full-blown Mission: Inhale All Snacks Before Anyone Sees Me mode. Your brain? In fight or flight. Your body? Sweaty, anxious, tunnel-visioned. You’re not present — you’re trying to escape.

So no, just “eating mindfully” isn’t enough when your brain is screaming “FEED ME TO FEEL BETTER.” Mindfulness is great — just not when you’re in mid-binge beast mode. 🧠💥🍕

🚫 Mistake #2: Believing Eating Enough During the Day = No Nighttime Binges

This one’s a classic: “If I eat enough today, I won’t binge tonight!”

And yes, making sure your body isn’t running on crumbs and cold brew is important. But the real culprit? You’re feeding a hungry heart, not a hungry stomach.

You might be physically full, but emotionally starved. For peace. For me-time. For a break from peopling. For something that doesn’t require folding laundry, making decisions, or performing in your daily unpaid role as Superwoman.

So when the sun goes down and you finally sit your butt on the couch, what happens? That tub of ice cream starts singing your name like a Disney prince.

And babe, that’s not a “you love food” thing — that’s a “you’re craving connection/comfort/calm” thing. 🍦❤️

🚫 Mistake #3: Distracting Your Way Out of a Nighttime Binge

“Just distract yourself!”
They said.
“It’ll help!”
They said.

Cut to you with 14 coats of nail polish, reorganized sock drawers, and 3 calls to Aunt Karen later… still wanting snacks.

Here’s the thing: distraction is like putting duct tape on a leaky pipe. It might hold for a second, but the pressure builds — and eventually? Boom. Snack explosion.

Instead, the real magic comes from learning to sit with the discomfort. Yep, feel the feels. Breathe through the urge. Realize it’s just a temporary emotion — not a five-alarm emergency.

You’re not dying. You’re just uncomfortable. And believe it or not, you can totally survive that. 🧘‍♀️✨

🚫 Mistake #4: Avoiding All Your “Trigger” Foods

Let’s play a quick game.

Think about anything.
Except giraffes.
Go ahead.
Try.

…

Oh look — you’re thinking about giraffes, aren’t you? 😏

That’s exactly what happens when you tell yourself “No more Oreos ever!” Your brain hears “OREOS” and then builds an entire Broadway musical around them.

Restricting foods just gives them more power. So instead of avoiding them like they’re Voldemort, try gentle exposure.
A few cookies with lunch. Ice cream when you’re not in emotional chaos. Prove to your brain that cookies aren’t the enemy — it’s the mental story around them that’s driving the binge bus.

🧠💭 → 🍪🚫 vs 🍪✅

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Human.

If you’ve made any (or all) of these mistakes — guess what? You’re normal. Like, super normal. Like “has-eaten-an-entire-bag-of-chips-in-one-sitting” kind of normal.

The trick isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware. And maybe — just maybe — giving yourself a little grace and a cookie without guilt.

Now go forth, eat your lunch with a side of Oreos, and stop believing the lie that food has more power than you.

You’ve got this. 💪💕

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!