Should I cut out the foods I crave completely?

On Ep. 128, Nikkiey compares restriction to being told not to think of a pink elephant. Tell yourself you can't have a food and you'll end up eating it anyway, no matter how disciplined you are, because that's how human brains work. It's why she keeps dark Dove chocolate stocked and has a piece every night. On Ep. 150 she describes the spiral: you forbid it, want it more, eat it, label it bad and feel like you failed. Highly restrictive diets may give quick results, she says, but they're unsustainable, can cause nutritional deficiencies and create a negative relationship with food. On Ep. 376 she adds that forbidden foods become magnetic, and that reducing rigidity around restriction reduces mental preoccupation with food.

There's nuance. Nikkiey is clear you're not dropping structure, because structure is how you make progress; you're moving from rules to values. If a treat still leaves you guilty or you don't trust yourself with it, Ep. 150 suggests lowering the quantity rather than banning it. On Ep. 376 she also suggests noticing triggers like TV, scrolling, boredom or work stress, and mentions getting hormones checked, which is a conversation to have with your doctor. An off day is just an off day. Constant cravings aren't a willpower problem; restriction is the plan failing you, not you failing the plan.