Clean Eating Struggles: Why I Eat Healthy All Day Then Binge at Night

Why I Eat So Clean… Until I Don’t (My Honest Struggle with Snack Attacks)

Let’s just get real for a second.

Most days, I eat clean. I love a good protein-packed breakfast, I prep my lunches, and I genuinely enjoy foods like Greek yogurt, avocado toast, and grilled chicken salads. I drink tons of water, I track my protein, and I feel so good when I’m fueling my body well.

But then…
Out of nowhere…
The sour candy calls.
Or the potato chips practically jump into my shopping cart.
And before I know it, I’m elbow-deep in a bag of something salty or sweet that totally wasn’t part of the plan.

Can you relate?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about for this Wednesday Wellness post until I binged some Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream chips. I felt horrible not because I ate chips, but because of the amount of chips I ate. I thought for a second, “why would I ever write a wellness post? I have no self-control at times when it comes to food. No one should be listening to me.” Then it hit me, I promised that I would keep this blog real. And here I am- keeping it 💯 with y’all.

Hi, my name is Kari. I LOVE being healthy, but I often binge eat junk food (chips/sour candy to be exact). Today, I am writing about this in hopes that others can relate. We are not alone. And I believe that we can get better!

My Good Habits:

I eat protein with almost every meal.
I plan my meals ahead when I can.
I actually enjoy healthy food—it doesn’t feel like a punishment.
I rarely eat out and try to cook at home as much as possible.

My Not-So-Great Habits:

I forget to eat enough during the day, and by 4 p.m., I’m starving.
I tell myself I “just take a taste bite” and end up overdoing it.
I buy snacks “for the kids” but I know deep down that I want to eat it.
I eat mindlessly when I’m stressed or tired.

A Few Things I’m Working On:

If you’re like me—doing so well and then swinging hard the other way—here are a few things I’m trying that might help you too:

Actually Eat Enough During the Day.
Most of my binges come from waiting too long to eat or skipping meals. Now I focus on eating every 3-4 hours, even if it’s just a quick protein shake or snack.
Don’t Keep the Temptation in the House.
If I know I can’t stop at just a few sour candies, I just don’t buy them. If it’s not in the pantry, it’s not calling my name when I’m tired at 9 p.m.
Pause Before You Eat It.
I try to stop and ask myself: “Am I really hungry? Or am I just bored/stressed/emotional?” Even 10 seconds of pausing helps me become more intentional.

This post isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest with ourselves and making small changes that help us feel better—body, mind, and spirit.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re crushing it until you’re not… just know you’re not alone.

You’re doing better than you think.
Let’s keep growing together, one bite at a time.

🫶