Why Understanding Hunger Isn't Enough

You understand hunger… so why is it still so hard to change your behaviour?

Episode #253
🎙️ In this episode, Drs. Terri Lance and Jason Fung explore why knowledge alone doesn't automatically change eating habits.

After learning about the different types of hunger, many people expect things to get easier — but often find themselves still repeating the same patterns. This conversation moves beyond understanding and into the deeper drivers of behaviour.

They discuss the role of mindfulness, mindset, and stress, and why these are essential for long-term change. Because while knowledge is the first step, it's not what actually changes behaviour.

👉 What you'll learn:
• Why understanding hunger doesn't automatically change behaviour
• The role of mindfulness in recognising eating patterns
• How mindset shapes your decisions around food
• Why stress drives eating behaviour (and what to do about it)
• The difference between knowledge and behaviour change
• Why long-term success requires more than just "knowing"

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 — Why diet alone doesn't address behaviour
00:28 — Why understanding hunger still isn't enough
01:35 — The limits of nutrition advice
03:09 — What mindfulness actually does
05:10 — Turning awareness into action
06:46 — Why knowledge is only the first step
07:54 — Mindful eating during meals
10:15 — From mindfulness to mindset
12:12 — How mindset shapes outcomes
13:19 — Changing how you see food
15:00 — Why deprivation mindset fails
16:58 — Ultra-processed foods and mindset shifts
18:07 — Behaviour change vs diet change
20:34 — Identity and long-term change
23:31 — Why diet books don't solve the problem
25:11 — The role of coaching and community
26:50 — Food addiction and behaviour patterns
29:18 — Understanding food impact vs "right vs wrong"
30:47 — Stress, cortisol, and hunger
32:49 — Why stress drives overeating
34:33 — Finding alternatives to stress eating
36:05 — Managing stress responses
38:07 — Why old habits feel comforting
39:50 — Why this isn't your fault
41:17 — The problem with "calories only" thinking

📝 Transcript
The transcript for this episode is available on our website:
https://www.thefastingmethod.com/podcasts/

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⚠️ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.

The use of any products or services purchased does not create a healthcare provider–patient relationship.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.