As a psychologist, Dr. Sera Lavelle sees it all the time: people think guilt will help them eat better. But here’s the hard truth—research shows the opposite.

When we feel guilty, we feel badly about ourselves. And when we feel badly about ourselves, we crave comfort even more. It’s a self-reinforcing cycle I’ve seen so many of my patients trapped in.

Here’s what the research says: A 2013 study published in Appetite found that people who associated chocolate cake with guilt ate more than those who associated it with celebration. Guilt doesn’t motivate us—it drives the very behaviors we want to change.

What actually works?
Noticing your patterns and wanting to change is not the same as guilt. Noticing motivates us. Guilt keeps us stuck.

What you can do?
The next time you feel guilty, open Bea Better Eating. Start talking to her about how you’re feeling. This single action is more powerful than any other advice I could give—it helps you understand your emotions and break the cycle.

💬 Have you noticed guilt affecting your eating? Let’s talk about it in the comments! Or tag a friend who could benefit from this advice. 💛