The Lie That Keeps You Stuck

The Lie That Keeps You Stuck: Why Food Addicts Can’t Moderate

For anyone struggling with food addiction, binge eating, or disordered eating, there’s one lie that keeps us stuck longer than any other:

“This time, I’ll be able to handle it.”

We want to believe it. Desperately. We convince ourselves that after enough time, enough therapy, enough weight loss, or enough self-discipline, we will finally be able to eat like a “normal” person. That we’ll be able to enjoy just one cookie, a few bites of dessert, a small bowl of chips—without it spiraling into a binge, a craving cycle, or a relapse.

But let’s be honest. How many times have you told yourself this? And how many times has it worked?

The Voice of Addiction

That voice—the one telling you this time will be different—isn’t your true self. It’s the voice of addiction, the eating disorder voice, the voice of sabotage. It’s the voice of your eating disorder (ED). And its goal is not to set you free but to keep you trapped.

Food addiction works like any other addiction. A recovering alcoholic doesn’t get to return to drinking in moderation. A heroin addict doesn’t get to dabble in occasional use. So why do we, as food addicts, believe we can somehow return to the very foods that once controlled us?

Because addiction lies.

It tells us we’re missing out.

It tells us we’ll be able to stop.

It tells us this time, we’ll be stronger.

And every time we listen, we find ourselves right back where we started—stuck in the same destructive cycle.

What If Moderation Isn’t the Answer?

The real question isn’t "Can I learn to moderate?" It’s "Why do I keep believing I can?"

For most of us, moderation isn’t just unrealistic—it’s exhausting. Trying to control portions, fight cravings, and “be good” all the time keeps us in a constant battle with food. But when we accept that certain foods are simply not an option for us, something incredible happens.

We stop obsessing.

We stop negotiating.

We stop fighting a battle we were never meant to fight.

And in that acceptance, we find something better than the illusion of moderation—we find peace.

The Freedom of Letting Go

I get it. The idea of never having your favorite binge foods again can feel terrifying.

But ask yourself:

• What has moderation ever given you except more suffering?

• How many times have you been stuck in the same cycle, hoping for different results?

• What if the real freedom isn’t in controlling your addiction—but in surrendering it?

I know firsthand that life without addictive foods isn’t deprivation. It’s liberation. And the sooner we stop chasing the fantasy of moderation, the sooner we can embrace the full, rich, and food-sober life waiting for us.

If you’re tired of the cycle, tired of the struggle, and tired of believing the same lie over and over, I want you to know—you’re not alone. You don’t have to do this alone.

What’s one lie your ED voice tells you? Send me a message on Instagram or Facebook: @ketomary71 Let’s expose it together.

Need support? Apply for coaching with me and let's find out if one of my programs will work for you. I want to help you find your freedom.