In this episode, we welcome back Nick Norwitz for Part 2 of our deep dive into metabolism, food addiction, and dietary nuances. We cover everything from broken metabolisms to the role of hormones in weight regulation, the impact of glycemic load, and the ongoing debate about fruit, dairy, olive oil, and the carnivore diet. If you've ever wondered about food science versus food fear-mongering, this is the episode for you! Key Topics Discussed: 1. Understanding "Broken Metabolism" The difference between metabolic dysfunction and metabolic perception. The role of insulin and other hormones in fat storage and hunger regulation. Why glycemic load matters more than calorie counting in weight loss. The importance of patience in metabolic healing, especially after years of processed food consumption. 2. Why Weight Loss Can Plateau Metabolic adaptation and how fat cells retain memory. How food labels can be misleading and the importance of tracking glycemic response. The role of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in fine-tuning nutrition choices. 3. Fruit and the Fear of Fructose Debunking the myth that all fructose is bad. How the small intestine processes fructose before it reaches the liver. The importance of context: different fruits have different effects on blood sugar. Recommendations for lower-glycemic fruits, such as berries, for those with insulin resistance. 4. Olive Oil and Muscle Health The role of oleuropein in mitochondrial function and aging muscles. How olive leaf extract might help improve muscle metabolism. The importance of choosing high-quality olive oil for maximum benefit. 5. Dairy and Cardiovascular Health New research showing that cheese may actually reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Why saturated fat in dairy is not necessarily harmful. The importance of individual tolerance—some people thrive on dairy, while others find it triggering. 6. The Carnivore Diet: Is It Right for You? Carnivore as an elimination diet rather than a meat-only ideology. How some people experience relief from autoimmune and gut health issues by eliminating plant foods. Why sustainability and long-term adherence matter more than short-term results. Key Takeaways: Metabolic health is adaptable: Your body can heal, but patience and consistency are key. Fruit isn't the enemy: Choose fruits wisely based on your metabolic health and glycemic response. Whole foods matter: The effects of food go beyond macros—consider nutrient density and processing. Individualization is key: Whether it's carnivore, keto, or Mediterranean, the best diet is the one that works for you. Resources Mentioned: Nick Norwitz's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nicknorwitzPhD Website: https://www.nicknorwitz.com Scientific Papers Discussed: Adipose Tissue Retains an Epigenetic Memory of Obesity After Weight Loss (Nature, 2024) The Small Intestine Converts Dietary Fructose into Glucose and Organic Acids (Cell Metabolism) Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake and Skeletal Muscle Performance (Cell Metabolism) If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening! The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this episode, Paige and Jamie from Real Food Recovery join us to explore the powerful intersection of holistic health, nervous system regulation, and long-term recovery from ultra-processed food addiction. They share why they wrote their book, the four core branches that anchor recovery, and why recovery isn't about perfection—it's about resilience, compassion, and sustainable support systems that hold us when life falls apart. With honesty and courage, Jamie shares her story of leaving an abusive relationship and navigating destabilization while protecting her recovery. Together, we dig into spirituality (beyond religion), harm reduction, abstinence debates, nervous system science, ego traps like "I'll start Monday," and how we can meet ourselves with clarity and grace instead of shame. This conversation is validating, empowering, and deeply human. Recovery isn't about mastering food—it's about building a life worth staying for. 🌿 Key Themes We Explore • The gap in recovery literature and why holistic support matters • The four core branches of Real Food Recovery o Whole, single-ingredient foods o Sleep o Spirituality (not religion) o Movement • Why long-term recovery is a lifelong evolving practice • How spirituality anchors safety, connection, and presence • What happens when life collapses and how to keep recovery intact • Harm reduction vs. abstinence and why recovery isn't "all or nothing" • Navigating autoimmunity, trauma, and survival mode with self-compassion • The truth behind "I'll start Monday" and the ego trap of perfection • Why small, doable changes are more powerful than massive overhauls • The role of nervous system regulation in cravings, bingeing, and recovery • How to dismantle shame and return to curiosity, learning, and self-respect • Why spirituality & slowing down create safety in the brain and body Powerful Insights & Quotes 🔹 "Two people can have very different experiences—but the big-picture solutions are often the same." 🔹 "We don't push square pegs into round holes. Recovery must be individualized." 🔹 "Food isn't the problem—it's a symptom of the recovery you need." 🔹 "Spirituality isn't religion. It's connection, grounding, and being held when no one else is around." 🔹 "When Maslow's hierarchy collapses, guardrails may look different. Harm reduction can be love." 🔹 "Your brain will always try to keep you in the familiar—even if the familiar hurts." 🔹 "Recovery breaks when life is lived too fast. Safety lives in slowness." 🔹 "There is no shame—only information and opportunity." Listener Takeaways 1) Recovery Must Be Holistic Food alone isn't enough. Sleep, nervous system care, spirituality, and movement matter just as much—and sometimes more. 2️) Spirituality = Safety Not religion. Not rules. A grounding connection, inner wisdom, meaning, and support when life storms hit. 3️) Recovery Isn't Linear—It's Adaptive There will be seasons of abstinence, seasons of harm reduction, seasons of survival. Compassion keeps recovery intact better than rigidity. 4️) Nervous System First Bingeing doesn't happen in stillness. It thrives in overwhelm, chaos, shame, and hurry. Slowing down restores choice. 5️) Shame Has No Place in Recovery Behaviours aren't moral failings—they are signals. We learn, adjust, and move forward. 6️) Tiny Changes Create Stability Small, compassionate, repeatable steps beat dramatic overhauls every single time. 7️) You Are Allowed to Evolve Bodies change. Lives change. Recovery plans change. And that is strength, not failure. Where to Find Paige & Jamie Website: https://www.realfoodrecovery4u.com Programs, resources, and more on holistic food recovery. The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Jan Winhall is a psychotherapist, author, educator, and the developer of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM), a groundbreaking framework that integrates trauma therapy, polyvagal theory, and embodied focusing to understand and treat addiction and trauma. Over more than four decades of clinical work, Jan has specialized in supporting survivors of sexual violence, complex trauma, and addiction with a deeply de-pathologizing, feminist, and body-based lens. She is the founder of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model Institute, teaches internationally, and collaborates closely with leaders in the polyvagal community to bring more compassionate, somatically grounded approaches into trauma and addiction treatment. In this powerful and deeply validating conversation, Clarissa and Molly sit down with trauma and addiction therapist Jan Winhall, creator of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM). Jan weaves together feminist therapy, trauma theory, polyvagal theory, and embodied practice to completely reframe how we understand addictive behaviors like binging, purging, and compulsive eating: not as "problems" or "defects," but as adaptive state-regulation strategies that the body uses to survive overwhelming experiences. Jan shares how early work with incest survivors revealed the harms of pathologizing, top-down psychiatric approaches—and how safety, dignity, and deep listening became the foundation for her model. Together, we explore how nervous-system states, shame, trauma, ADHD, and body image intersect with ultra-processed food addiction, and how recovery becomes possible when we work with the body instead of against it. This episode is for clinicians, helpers, and anyone living with food addiction who has ever wondered: "What if nothing about me is broken—and my body has been trying to keep me alive all along?" In This Episode, We Explore: • Jan's Origins in Trauma Work o Running groups for young women who were incest survivors in a small Ontario hospital o Seeing firsthand the limitations and harm of traditional psychiatric models o How feminist therapy and the work of Judith Herman and Sandra Butler helped de-pathologize survivors • From "What's Wrong With You?" to "What Happened to You?" o Why behaviors often labeled "manipulative" or "attention-seeking" (e.g., binging, purging, self-harm) are actually survival strategies o Understanding these behaviors as ways to regulate overwhelming nervous-system states, not moral failures • The Felt Sense & Polyvagal Theory – Explained Accessibly o What "felt sense" really means (beyond just "sensation") o How neuroception constantly scans for safety and danger below conscious awareness o The three main autonomic states: Ventral vagal – safety, connection, social engagement Sympathetic – fight/flight, agitation, urgency Dorsal vagal – shutdown, collapse, numbness, shame o How addictive behaviors help the body shift between these states to survive • Addiction as a Trauma Feedback Loop o Why the body cannot stay in high sympathetic arousal or deep shutdown forever o How food, substances, sex, and other behaviors become "jolts" that move us between states o The idea of a "trauma feedback loop" where trauma, dysregulation, and addiction constantly reinforce each other • Working with Trauma Without "Fishing" for It o Why Jan no longer goes "hunting" for trauma stories o The importance of Phase 1 work: establishing safety before uncovering trauma o How to help people gently reconnect with the body (starting at the edges: fingertips, earlobes, etc.) before approaching the more overwhelming inner experiences • Shame, Addiction, and Liberation o Why shame is so central to trauma and addiction—and why Jan actually loves working with it o Reframing shame: "This is what bodies do under threat; you are not uniquely broken." o How truly believing this (in our own bodies) changes how we show up for clients o Using groups, co-regulation, and shared stories to create "moments of liberation" • Food & Sex Addiction, Early Trauma, and Access o Why food and sex are often the earliest available forms of self-soothing for children in unsafe environments o How early masturbation and secret eating can evolve into entrenched patterns over decades o The stigma that keeps men with food addiction silent and unseen • ADHD, Neurodivergence & Addiction o How neurodivergent folks are especially vulnerable to regulation difficulties and shame o The clash between ADHD time perception and linear, "on-time" culture o The dopamine-driven ping-pong between shame (dorsal) and activation (sympathetic), and how this sets up classic addictive pathways o The "neuroplastic paradox" – getting stuck in ruts, and how intentional practice can build new pathways • Body Image, Misogyny & Reclaiming the Body o Why so many clients experience their body as "the enemy" o How misogyny, hyper-masculinity, and purity culture shape body hatred and silence around food addiction o The role of our own relationship with our bodies as therapists and helpers—how we co-regulate clients through our presence, not just our words • Receiving Love & Positive Feedback as a Trigger o Why compliments, affection, and warmth can feel more threatening than criticism for many addicted bodies o How to normalize this, slow it down, and help the nervous system "update" that it is safe enough now o Using group moments of discomfort as live material to work with neuroception and triggers • Self-Disclosure, Accessibility & Doing Our Own Work o Why Jan believes safe, boundaried self-disclosure can create powerful safety o Steve Porges' idea that "the greatest gift you can give is your accessibility" o Why clinicians must apply these models to their own lives first, so that their belief in the body's wisdom is genuine • Changing the Addiction Treatment Paradigm o The trauma of addiction treatment itself—shaming, punitive, expensive models o Jan's commitment to bringing compassionate, somatic, polyvagal-informed approaches into 12-step spaces and beyond o The importance of connecting communities (like Sweet Sobriety and FSPM) to shift the field together Follow Jan and the FSPM Institute: https://www.fspminstitute.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this Clinician's Corner episode, Clarissa and Molly dive into what they lovingly (and accurately) call the "Hella-Days"—that stretch from early fall through New Year's where routines disappear, food is everywhere, emotions are high, and nervous systems are fried. Together, they unpack why this season is so activating for people with food addiction and nervous system sensitivity, and how to navigate it with values, boundaries, and a whole lot of self-compassion—whether you're surrounded by family or spending the holidays on your own. In This Episode Clarissa & Molly explore: Why the holidays can feel like the "Holiday Hunger Games" and "12 Days of Dysregulation" How the nervous system responds to the build-up from September to New Year's Using values as your North Star for holiday decisions Boundary tools and scripts for parties, family gatherings, and food pushers Why holiday food environments are an "engineered stressor" (hello, peppermint-everything marketing) Strategies for: Going to events without abandoning your recovery Deciding when not to go Coping with loneliness, isolation, and dark evenings Harm reduction during high-exposure events ("good, better, best" thinking) How to re-imagine your holiday story over time instead of chasing perfection Ideas for folks who love the holidays (Clarissmas) and folks who… don't (Molly 😂) They also share: Personal stories of childhood Christmas expectations, sibling dynamics, and parental pressure How early family patterns still shape how we show up at the holidays Reframing relapse and "taking the bait" with relatives like Aunt Linda (sorry, Linda) Key Takeaways You can use/adapt these directly in show notes as bullet points. Start with your North Star, not the menu. Before the doorbells, casseroles, and Aunt Linda's commentary, ask: What matters most to me about this season? How do I want to feel when the day is over? What will support my recovery and nervous system? Let those answers drive your choices more than other people's expectations, panic, or cookies. Boundaries are about self-respect, not punishment. Boundaries define what's okay and not okay for you. They're about taking responsibility for your experience—not policing others. As Brené Brown says, "Clear is kind." You don't have to over-explain or apologize. Use positive, non-defensive boundary scripts. "I don't eat sugar" often triggers defensiveness and comparison. Instead, frame your choice around how good you feel: "That looks amazing, but I've been eating in a way that's really helping my energy and sleep, and I'm so grateful I found what works for me. Thanks for understanding." Or keep it simple: "No, thank you." (A complete sentence.) "I'm focusing on foods that help me feel my best." Rehearsal reduces panic. Visualize the event ahead of time: Imagine someone offering food or a drink. Practice your boundary script. Role-play in group or with a clinician. Like athletes using mental rehearsal, you're teaching your nervous system that this "scary" behavior is survivable and doable. Don't arrive hungry to the Holiday Hunger Games. Skipping meals "to save up" for a party sets you up to be biologically and emotionally vulnerable. Eat a satiating meal (protein, healthy fats, veggies) before events. Then you can pause and ask, Am I actually hungry, or is this emotional/relational? Use "Good, Better, Best" instead of all-or-nothing. When your nervous system is hijacked and the perfect choice isn't accessible: Best: Aligned, recovery-supportive choice. Better: Less harmful option if "best" isn't realistic. Good enough: Reduces harm in a very stressful moment. This is harm reduction, not failure. Plan your support system: exit strategies, grounding, and non-food rewards. Exit plan: Decide in advance how long you'll stay and how you'll leave if overwhelmed (drive separately, ask partner to bring you back to the hotel, etc.). Grounding: Find a quiet corner, identify 5 things you can see, and locate something visually "neutral" or pleasant you can keep returning your gaze to. Non-food rewards: Think saunas, walks, reading, play with kids/nieces, skiing, time offline—let celebration include regulation, not just consumption. You don't actually owe the holidays anything. There is nothing magical about one date on the calendar that couldn't be created on another day. You can: See important people in smaller, less intense doses throughout the year. Say "no" to events that are more away-moves than towards-moves for your recovery. Ask: What does this event mean to me? How might it impact my recovery? Do I have the emotional energy for this? If you're alone or not celebrating traditionally, you still get to have a holiday that fits you. For folks spending holidays solo or outside of family systems: Create new traditions: a favorite meal (yes, lobster counts), comfort movies, lights-seeing drives, nature walks. Consider volunteering (community dinners, toy programs), which can shift perspective and foster connection. Plan virtual connection: Zoom rooms, watch parties, scheduled calls or voice notes, especially in the evenings when darkness and loneliness hit the hardest. Engineered holiday food environments are not a personal failure. Seasonal marketing is deliberately designed to trigger nostalgia, emotion, and craving (eggnog-everything, gingerbread-everything). It's an engineered stressor, not proof you lack willpower. Your brain is responding exactly as it was wired to; you're not broken. You are not "starting over"; you are learning. If you "take the bait" from Aunt Linda, eat off-plan, or get pulled into old patterns: You are not back at Day 1. You collected new data about triggers, resources, and needs. Recovery is peaks, valleys, and everything in between—that's human, not just "because you're an addict." Your holiday story can change over time. Clarissa names how her first, second, third food-sober holidays were hard—and now it's almost a non-issue. We can: Re-imagine the script (like Disney re-imagining its princesses). Hold younger versions of ourselves with tenderness. Trust that practice, time, and patience reshape the season. Resources Mentioned Sweet Sobriety Free Holiday Guide (PDF) ~22 pages of: Reflection questions to use your values as a North Star Boundary scripts and language examples Planning prompts for events, food, and nervous system care 👉 Link to download on website Contact / Listener Questions Have a holiday strategy that worked for you? A topic you'd like Clarissa & Molly to cover in a future Clinician's Corner? 📩 Email: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com
In this powerful episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Clarissa Kennedy welcome back Dr. Nicole Avena, one of the first researchers to scientifically validate the concept of food addiction. Together, they unpack the latest critiques of food addiction and explore why this diagnosis is still being challenged – and why the science strongly supports it. 🔍 Key Questions We Tackled Is food addiction "too broad" to be useful? Can we really rely on self-report tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale? What about brain imaging – doesn't Kevin Hall's PET study "disprove" food addiction? Are we just pathologizing normal overeating under stress or dieting? If withdrawal from ultra-processed foods isn't like alcohol or opioids, does it "count"? What Dr. Avena Wants You to Know 1️⃣ Overlap with eating disorders ≠ "not real" Food addiction can overlap with eating disorders and obesity, but that doesn't mean it's the same thing. Lots of conditions share symptoms; that's exactly why we need more research, not less. 2️⃣ Self-report doesn't make it "fake" Critics argue that the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) isn't valid because it relies on self-report. Dr. Avena reminds us: If we reject self-report, we'd also have to throw out: Depression inventories Alcohol and substance use screens Most mental health assessments we use every day Self-report + clinical judgment + (where possible) biological measures = standard science, not junk science. 3️⃣ One PET scan ≠ "case closed" Kevin Hall's PET study is often waved around as "proof" that food isn't addictive. Dr. Avena explains major limitations: PET is a blunt tool for measuring dopamine compared to methods like microdialysis. The milkshake used was lower in sugar than many people consume in real life. Participants weren't clearly separated into food-addicted vs non–food-addicted groups. Dopamine is highly time-sensitive: anticipation and early consumption may be where the real action is, not 30 minutes later. And importantly: We don't throw out alcohol or nicotine addiction just because a single brain study fails to show a clear dopamine spike. Science is built on many studies over many years, not one headline. 4️⃣ We're not pathologizing everyone who overeats Yes, lots of people overeat on holidays or under stress. That's normal. Food addiction is when: Overeating is persistent and pervasive It causes distress, impairment, and health consequences Multiple DSM substance use criteria are met (tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, continued use despite harm, etc.) That's a very different picture than "I ate too much at Thanksgiving." 5️⃣ Withdrawal from ultra-processed foods is real (and looks a lot like other addictions) Research now shows that withdrawal from ultra-processed foods can include: Irritability Fatigue Low mood Crankiness / lethargy These symptoms tend to peak in 2–5 days, similar to what we see with substances like nicotine. You don't need seizures for it to count as withdrawal. 6️⃣ Not having a "perfect definition" is not a reason to stop studying it We are still refining: What exactly counts as "food addiction" Which foods / combinations are most addictive How best to diagnose and treat it That's how science works: definition → research → refinement → better definition → repeat. If we'd waited for perfect definitions, we wouldn't have moved forward on half the diseases we now recognize. 💊 GLP-1 Medications & Food Addiction: Clues from Treatment The conversation also touched on GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide and others): For some people, GLP-1s dramatically reduce "food noise" and cravings. For others, they only partially dampen urges – they still need tools, structure, and support. This suggests these drugs are interacting with reward and satiety circuits that are highly relevant to addiction. Dr. Avena and Clarissa both emphasize: Medication alone is not enough – people still need skills, structure, and support to navigate cravings, emotions, and the food environment. 🧬 Big Picture: Why This Debate Matters Naysayers often publish opinion pieces without new data, recycling old critiques that the research has already addressed. Media then amplifies a single study or opinion as "proof" that food addiction isn't real. Meanwhile, millions of people are struggling in silence, wondering: "If this isn't addiction, what's wrong with me?" Dr. Avena's message is clear: There is now a large body of evidence – animal, human, behavioral, and neurobiological – supporting food addiction as a valid construct worth recognizing, researching, and treating. ❤️ For Those Who Feel Seen by "Food Addiction" If you've ever felt like: You can't stop with certain foods You eat more than you want, more often than you want You experience cravings, withdrawal, or obsessive food thoughts And you've been told "it's just lack of willpower" or "there's no such thing as food addiction" This episode is for you. You are not making this up. The science is catching up to what lived experience has been saying for decades.
Dr. Paul O'Malley is a Los Angeles-based dentist who's redefining what it means to care for your teeth—and your whole body. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. O'Malley specializes in biomimetic and holistic dentistry, which basically means he works with your body, not against it. His focus is on preserving your natural tooth structure, using biocompatible materials, and avoiding the "drill and fill" mindset that leaves so many people anxious about the dentist's chair. He earned his DDS from Creighton University and completed a residency at Baylor University, but what really sets him apart is his philosophy: dentistry should heal and protect, not just patch things up. Over the years, he's trained with some of the top names in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and has become a fellow of both the International Academy of Dentofacial Esthetics and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. At his practice in Encino, California, Dr. O'Malley helps patients restore confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health—often with procedures that are far less invasive than traditional methods. He's also the founder of Great Oral Health, a line of probiotic-based products designed to support a healthy mouth microbiome and overall wellness. We all know sugar messes with our health — but did you know it's one of the biggest culprits behind tooth decay, gum disease, and even inflammation throughout your body? 😬 💥 It's not just how much sugar you eat — it's how often! Every sip or bite keeps your teeth bathing in acid and your enamel under attack. 🦠 Your mouth has a microbiome too — good bacteria that protect you! Constant sugar, grazing, or even "healthy" acidic drinks (like lemon water or sugar-free soda) can throw that balance off. 💧 The fix is simple and kind: ✨ Eat in meals, not all day. ✨ Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or lemon water. ✨ Wait 20 minutes before brushing to protect enamel. ✨ Floss daily (it breaks up the "bug party" that causes decay). ✨ Use a soft brush and gentle angle — your gums aren't a kitchen floor! ✨ Try hydroxyapatite toothpaste (it helps re-harden enamel naturally). ❤️ Your mouth is part of your body — not separate from it. Bleeding gums, bad breath, or constant sensitivity are not normal signs of "aging." They're little SOS signals asking for care. 💬 And for parents: kids copy what we do, not what we say. Brushing and rinsing together is a tiny daily act of prevention and connection. Let's make "self-care" include our smiles. Because a healthy mouth = a healthier body. LINKS: https://www.greatoralhealth.com/ https://www.drpaulomalley.com/ The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Ellen Bennett is a Registered Dietitian, researcher, and leading voice in the emerging field of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction (UPFA). As Operations Manager for Liberate, delivered in partnership with the Public Health Collaboration (PHC), she leads educational programmes designed to support both individuals and clinicians in understanding and navigating food addiction through an evidence-based, compassion-driven lens. Currently completing her PhD at Coventry University, Ellen's research explores addiction-informed interventions for UPFA, including feasibility studies, the development of screening tools, and critical analyses of existing clinical frameworks. With 16 years in 12-step fellowships and 14 years of sustained recovery following an 11-stone (70 kg) weight loss, Ellen brings a rare integration of scientific expertise, lived experience, and humanity to her work. Her blend of rigour, warmth, and humour has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences, podcasts, and universities, where she continues to champion a more honest, hopeful, and research-aligned conversation about food addiction and recovery. Social Media: 🔗 www.liberatetoday.org 🔗 www.phcuk.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PHCukorg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/PHCukorg LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/public-health-collaboration Youtube https://www.youtube.com/PHCukorg X https://twitter.com/PHCukorg The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Dr. Tro Kalayjian is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and the founder of Toward Health, a virtual metabolic health clinic helping people break free from food addiction and chronic metabolic disease. He's also a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and an international speaker on metabolic psychiatry, obesity, and nutrition science. But what makes Dr. Tro's work truly powerful is that it's personal. He grew up in a household affected by obesity and struggled with his own weight into adulthood, reaching over 350 pounds. After years of frustration with traditional medical advice, he took a deep dive into the research and completely transformed his health—losing over 150 pounds and sustaining that loss for more than a decade. His clinic's latest research, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, shows how combining low-carb nutrition with real-time support, psychological care, and metabolic monitoring can significantly reduce food addiction and binge eating symptoms—offering hope for those who haven't found relief in diets or medications alone. Dr. Tro is passionate about helping others find food freedom, and today he's here to share the science, the struggle, and the solutions that actually work. Research Highlights: Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2025): 43 lbs average weight loss ~40–50% improvement in food addiction and binge eating symptoms Outcomes comparable to medications (e.g. amphetamines, GLP-1s) — but without long-term side effects Case series (220 people) on keto for binge eating showed significant improvements, challenging the old myth that "restrictive diets worsen eating disorders" 🛠️ What Actually Works (Tro's "Shotgun Protocol"): Like treating sepsis with a bundled care approach, he bundles these for food addiction: The TOWARD Framework: Texting access to your medical team (real-time support like AA sponsors) Online visits with doctors and coaches Wellness coaching Asynchronous education (on-demand app resources) Real-time biofeedback (CGMs, scales, blood pressure) Dietary intervention (low-carb/therapeutic carb restriction)🧠 Behavioral + Biological + Social Support = Results 🍳 Food & Physiology: Therapeutic carb level: ~30g net carbs/day (but customized for each client) Focus: Real food, nutrient density, stable blood sugar, and ketone production Biological drivers of addiction: FTO & MC4R genes (linked to low satiety), ADHD traits, dopamine-seeking Physiology matters: No regulation if you're low in protein, vitamin D, or sleep-deprived 💥 Why Diet Isn't Enough: Food addiction is not just about willpower It's a poly-substance addiction: sugar, carbs, processed fats, additives, and volume Even abstinent foods (like nuts or yogurt) can become part of volume addiction "You need more than a food plan. You need a psychological and emotional toolkit too." 😫 Barriers to Recovery: Stress, trauma, pain, lack of sleep all increase relapse risk GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic) may suppress appetite short-term but: Lead to muscle loss Double weight regain speed if stopped Often used without a lifestyle program = future harm ❤️ The Human Side: Shame, guilt, and blame paralyze recovery "This isn't a willpower issue. This is a food relationship issue driven by biology and trauma." One of his biggest lessons: "Take the disgust off yourself and place it on the substance. That's freedom." 🧠 Mental Experiments That Helped: Tro experimented on himself with yogurt, berries, fasting, etc., to observe what triggered hunger or satiation Asked: What makes people subconsciously eat less? → Ketogenic diet consistently decreased intake 📊 Cost & Accessibility: Clinic costs $500/month but aims to be covered by employers (and is free to many employees) Medical savings to employers = $2,000–$4,500 per year per person Tro's long-term vision: accessible, affordable, whole-person care that rivals any prescription drug Final Thoughts from Dr. Tro: "Don't believe the lies. Do your own homework. And eat meat." Recovery is possible, but it must include compassion, community, and comprehensive care. Tro will be speaking on emotional and cognitive manipulation of hunger at the upcoming International Food Addiction & Comorbidities Conference in London (Sept 2025) Follow Dr. Tro: Recent Publication: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1548609/full Join us via Livestream for two full days of talks and plenary sessions, and, in recognition of your support, use code SSO to get a 40% discount: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ifacc2025-two-day-conference-4-5-september-2025-online-or-in-person-tickets-1226143812149?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawMB8iVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHY1g0d3R0b2hYdTFnMmhNAR5WiXm-cuXEnOUh40YV4TwTnXtMNdpkdXK9lzyXdIZIuE3OdtJho4U7g-ySFA_aem_9TqBY-e2_oaGzzekZpiq2g Website: https://toward.health
In today's insightful Clinician's Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab delve into chronic invalidation as a trauma response, exploring its origins, impacts, and practical healing strategies. This episode offers clinicians compassionate insights and actionable tools for supporting clients on their healing journeys. Key Highlights: Understanding Chronic Invalidation Chronic invalidation occurs when emotions, needs, or perceptions are consistently dismissed, causing internalization of critical voices. Common invalidating statements include "You're too sensitive," "It's not that bad," and "Don't cry." Chronic invalidation often results in perfectionism, emotional suppression, people-pleasing, and using food or substances to cope. Origins and Impact Invalidating behaviors can originate from caregivers' inability to handle their own emotions. Chronic invalidation can manifest in adulthood as strong inner critics, emotional numbness, hyper-vigilance, and difficulty identifying personal emotions and needs. Invalidated individuals often experience significant relationship challenges, attachment issues, and ongoing self-doubt. Healing Strategies for Clients Awareness: Encourage noticing and naming the inner critic as a first significant step toward healing. Curiosity and Compassion: Recognize the inner critic as a protective mechanism developed to cope with past hurts. Co-regulation and Community: Seek safe, validating environments where clients can experience relational repair through community support and co-regulation. Therapeutic Modalities for Addressing Chronic Invalidation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and reframe invalidating thoughts. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Provides emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. Internal Family Systems (IFS): Validates all parts of self without shame. Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal Theory: Body-based approaches to regulate the nervous system and safely reconnect clients with their bodies. Clinician Guidance and Reminders Avoid invalidating language (e.g., labeling clients as resistant or not having hit "rock bottom"). Validate client experiences before offering problem-solving approaches. Model self-validation and demonstrate relational repair in therapeutic interactions. Encourage distress tolerance skills among clinicians to prevent rescuing behaviors driven by personal discomfort. Embodied Practice (Somatic Experiencing Exercise) Clarissa leads listeners through a gentle, somatic experiencing practice designed to: Identify areas of stored emotional tension. Invite compassionate awareness and gentle inquiry into bodily sensations. Facilitate nervous system regulation through grounding, breathwork, and affirmations. Closing Insights Healing from chronic invalidation is a gradual, individualized journey. Encourage clients to begin with the strategies and modalities that feel safest and most accessible. Remind clients and clinicians alike that healing is not linear but is profoundly supported through compassionate awareness, relational repair, and community. Join us next month for more empowering insights on Clinician's Corner! The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
We're honored to welcome back Dr. Claire Wilcox, a trailblazer in the field of food addiction. Claire is an addiction psychiatrist, former internist, and associate professor of translational neuroscience at the Mind Research Network. She's worked in everything from eating disorder treatment centers to general psychiatry and is on the frontlines of research, clinical care, and advocacy. Her academic textbook Food Addiction, Obesity and Disorders of Overeating has helped shape the professional dialogue—but today, we're talking about her newest book, Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet—a compassionate, research-informed, and accessible guide for individuals navigating food addiction. And here's the wild part: this book was directly inspired by the Food Junkies Podcast. 💥 Key Takeaways 💥 🔹 The Why Behind the Book Claire was inspired by the validation, science, and compassion found in our podcast. She wanted to turn years of neurobiology, research, and lived experience into a digestible, practical resource for both clinicians and people in recovery. 🔹 Not Just Another Food Book This is NOT a weight loss book. It's a science-backed, shame-free guide to understanding food addiction and reclaiming your life from ultra-processed foods — whether you score mild, moderate, or severe on the mYFAS scale. 🔹 Food Addiction ≠ Weakness Claire beautifully reframes food addiction as a neurobiological condition, not a moral failing. Like alcohol or nicotine addiction, it's rooted in genetics, brain wiring, and environmental exposure — often starting in early childhood. 🔹 Diagnosis Matters Chapter 6 tackles the controversial diagnostic gray zone, comparing food addiction to binge eating disorder and explaining how tools like the mYFAS can help people finally feel seen, understood, and validated. 🔹 Personalized Recovery > One-Size-Fits-All The book includes three levels of food plans that adapt to the individual — from flexible to more structured — based on your symptoms, goals, access to food, and cultural context. There's no moral hierarchy here, just practical options. 🔹 Harm Reduction is Welcome Here Recovery isn't linear, and slips happen. The book normalizes recurrence without shame, promotes spiraling up over time, and encourages readers to find what works for them — even if it's not "perfect." 🔹 Tools with Neuroscience Receipts Each tool is not only practical — it's also evidence-based, with brain science to back it up. Claire doesn't just tell you what to do… she tells you why it works. 🔹 Values Over Weight This book helps you set recovery goals beyond the scale — like peace, freedom, energy, and connection. Weight loss may happen as a side effect, but the real win is regaining your life. 🔹 Validation for the Spectrum Whether you're struggling mildly or feel like you're at your lowest, this book meets you where you are and reminds you: there is a way out — and it can be your way. 💡 Bonus: There are FREE online chapters + tools available starting August 1st through New Harbinger Publications! 📘 Available Everywhere Books Are Sold ➡️ Title: Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet Using Neuroscience ➡️ Website: https://www.wilcoxmd.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Dr. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people grow, heal, and reconnect with their wholeness. With a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, she specializes in trauma, embodiment, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and psychedelic integration. Known for making complex psychological concepts accessible and meaningful, Hillary is passionate about creating therapeutic spaces grounded in safety, trust, and hope. Her clinical work is informed by evidence-based, de-pathologizing approaches including AEDP, IFS, EMDR, feminist therapies, and somatic practices. Hillary's award-winning research on women's mental health, body image, and sexuality has been recognized by the Canadian and American Psychological Associations, as well as the Taylor & Francis Young Investigator Award. Whether through therapy, writing, or public speaking, Hillary is committed to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered on their path toward deeper self-acceptance and connection. Key Takeaways: • Disembodiment as a Survival Strategy: Many of us leave the body because the world, or our upbringing, made it unsafe to stay. Returning to the body isn't weakness—it's radical resilience. • Spiritual Trauma and the Inner Authority Crisis: When we've been told that our bodies are sinful or untrustworthy, we lose connection to our inner compass. Reclaiming our own authority is central to healing. • Why Embodiment Is a Form of Belonging: Our bodies are where connection, pleasure, grief, and joy live. Embodiment helps us reconnect not just with ourselves, but with others and the earth. • Healing Isn't a Return to "Before"—It's Becoming More Fully Ourselves: The work isn't to erase the pain, but to integrate it with love and become someone who can hold all of it with compassion. • Psychedelic Therapy as a Doorway to Wholeness (When Safe and Ethical): Hillary discusses the potential and limitations of psychedelics in trauma work—and why preparation and integration matter more than the substance alone. • Body Image Recovery and Spiritual Reclamation Go Hand in Hand: Healing the relationship with our bodies often requires rethinking harmful theology and cultural messages that disconnect us from pleasure and worthiness. • The Role of Community in Repair: No one heals in isolation. Being witnessed with gentleness in our messy middle is a key part of restoring trust. 🕊️ Quotes to Remember: "The body is not the problem. The body is the place where the healing happens." – Dr. Hillary McBride "You are trustworthy. Your knowing is good. And the invitation is to come home to that." "Healing is possible. Even when the system told you it wasn't." 📚 Resources Mentioned: • The Wisdom of Your Body by Dr. Hillary McBride • Holy/Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing • Hillary's podcast: Other People's Problems Follow Hillary: https://hillarylmcbride.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this compassionate and insightful episode, Clarissa and Molly dive into the phenomenon of post-event collapse—the physical, emotional, and psychological crash that can follow highly stimulating or meaningful experiences. Whether it's a vacation, a major life event, a group share, or even just navigating a family gathering, many in food addiction recovery find themselves disoriented and vulnerable in the days that follow. They unpack the biology (hello dopamine crash), psychology (emotional contrast effects), and the nervous system's role (freeze/dorsal vagal responses), and they offer gentle, practical strategies for reentry and recovery. This episode is both validating and empowering—for listeners in recovery and for clinicians supporting them. 💡 Key Takeaways: What Is Post-Event Collapse? A drop in energy, motivation, or mood after a highly stimulating or stressful event. Often triggered by dopamine depletion, nervous system overload, and loss of structure. Symptoms include: fatigue, cravings, irritability, sadness, restlessness, shame spirals, and "vulnerability hangovers." 🧠 The Science Behind It: The brain shifts from an activated, goal-directed state (dopamine high) to a depleted, low-stimulation state. This emotional contrast can feel like going from technicolor to gray. For those with trauma, neurodivergence, or attachment wounds, this crash may be even more intense. 💬 Common Scenarios That Trigger Collapse: Vacations (especially with family) Funerals, weddings, or big work events Emotional vulnerability (group shares, therapy sessions) Changes in routine or environment 🛠️ Coping Tools & Recovery Strategies: Plan for reentry as much as the event itself. Create a 72-hour buffer. Return rituals: Soft structure for meals, movement, hydration, rest, and reconnection. Freeze meals or stock Factor meals for post-travel ease. Anchor with connection: Reach out to your "seen and safe" people. Use micro grounding tools during events (walking, nature, breath, touch points). Practice self-compassion: Validate the guilt and exhaustion without judgment. Communicate proactively with family to soften expectations post-return. 🧰 For Clinicians & Coaches: Normalize post-event collapse as part of the healing arc. Support clients in building after-care plans (not just event plans). Teach co-regulation skills and help clients ride the emotional wave. Watch for perfectionism in recovery and help clients practice grace. Encourage gentle transitions, especially for those navigating early recovery. 🔄 Favorite Quotes: "This is the slow after the fast. It's not failure—it's your nervous system recalibrating." – Clarissa "You don't have to avoid the guilt. You can rest and feel guilt. Guilt won't kill us—but burnout just might." – Clarissa "This isn't recurrence—it's biology. Let's name it, normalize it, and meet it with compassion." – Molly "Have a post-event plan like you'd pack a suitcase—soft landing included." – Molly 🎁 Bonus Tips: Live like a tourist: Bring the wonder of vacation into everyday life. Use group support to "bookend" your events: check-in before, share after. Teach your clients to identify their own 72-hour needs. There's no one-size-fits-all. 💌 Questions or Comments? Email us at: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you—let us know what you want us to cover next!
Dr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-based approaches to well-being. She is the host of the Wise Effort podcast and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, ACT Daily Journal, and the forthcoming Wise Effort. Diana teaches individuals and organizations how to build psychological flexibility so they can live more aligned, courageous, and meaningful lives. I first discovered Diana and the transformative power of ACT through her course on using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for eating and body image concerns. Her work opened a new doorway in my own recovery and professional practice, helping me integrate compassion, values, and embodiment into the healing process. Blending over twenty years of yoga and meditation practice with cutting-edge psychology, Diana brings a unique and deeply personal approach to well-being that is both science-based and spiritually grounded. Her insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Woman's Day, Real Simple, and Mindful.org, and she's a regular contributor to Insight Timer and Psychology Today. When she's not walking and talking with therapy clients, Diana is likely tending to her garden, caring for her bees, or swimming in the ocean at sunrise with her two boys. Key Takeaways: 1. Movement ≠ Punishment • Diana shares how our relationship with movement is often shaped by shame, rules, and diet culture. • ACT invites us to reconnect with intrinsic values—like joy, connection, or vitality—rather than "shoulds." 2. From Motivation to Meaning • Dr. Hill outlines the three types of motivation: • Pleasure-seeking • Pain-avoidance • Values-based • Relying only on feeling "motivated" often backfires. Lasting behavior change is values-driven, not vibe-dependent. 3. Urge Surfing 101 • Urges feel like waves—we think they'll pull us under, but they always pass. • Practicing presence, noticing without acting, and riding the wave can build powerful inner trust over time. 4. Body Shame Needs Light + Air • Shame tells us to hide. ACT helps us bring curiosity and compassion to the parts we feel we "can't show." • The antidote to shame is not "fixing" the body—it's learning to see it differently. 5. Phones, Dopamine & Distraction • Screen scrolling can become both a dopamine hit and an escape from discomfort. • Awareness + micro-boundaries with tech can gently shift us back toward the life we actually want to live. 6. Values Are Felt, Not Just Picked • Instead of just selecting values off a worksheet, ask: • When did I feel most alive yesterday? • When did I feel regret? These moments hold the clues to your deepest values. 7. Recovery is a Process of Discovery • Movement and food freedom are journeys of returning to self—not performance. • Progress is nonlinear and personalized. Flexibility, not perfection, is the goal. 🔧 Tools & Practices Mentioned: • Urge Surfing – a mindfulness tool to ride out cravings without reacting. • Rick Hanson's Savoring Practice – linger in positive moments to rewire the brain. • "Wise Effort" – a Buddhist and ACT-informed lens on energy expenditure and sustainable change. • Body Image Flexibility – showing up in life with your body, even when discomfort is present. 📚 Featured Resources: • 🧘♀️ Book: I Know I Should Exercise But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman • 📘 Upcoming: Wise Effort (Fall Release 2025) • 🎧 Podcast: Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill • 📩 Newsletter & Trainings: drdianahill.com 💬 Favorite Quote: "You don't have to like your body or love your body—but you can bring it with you. Let in some light, some air, and over time, maybe even appreciation." – Dr. Diana Hill The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Dr. David Kessler is a renowned pediatrician, lawyer, public health advocate, and former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A graduate of Amherst College, the University of Chicago Law School, and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Kessler has spent his career at the intersection of science, policy, and consumer protection. He served as Dean of the Yale School of Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco Medical School, and most recently held the role of Chief Science Officer for the White House COVID-19 Response Team. Dr. Kessler is the acclaimed author of several influential books including the New York Times bestseller The End of Overeating, Fast Carbs, Slow Carbs, and his latest work, Diet, Drugs & Dopamine: The New Science on Achieving a Healthy Weight. His writing and research have been pivotal in shifting the public health conversation from willpower to biological understanding—especially regarding food addiction, the manipulation of hyper-palatable foods, and the role of dopamine in modern eating behaviors. A true trailblazer in the field, Dr. Kessler has dedicated decades to unraveling the powerful science behind why we eat the way we do—and how we can reclaim our health in a world of ultra-processed foods. Dr. Kessler shares his personal journey with weight regain and the "aha moment" that led him to call it what it is—addiction. He explores the role of GLP-1 medications, the dark side of food addiction, and how we must move beyond willpower to tackle this epidemic with compassion, science, and actionable tools. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 🔥 Addiction, Not Just Overeating In The End of Overeating (2009), Kessler avoided the term "addiction." Now, in Diet, Drugs & Dopamine, he boldly names it. Cue-induced wanting, craving, and relapse are the neurobiological hallmarks of addiction—and they're present in our relationships with ultra-processed food. ⚖️ GLP-1 Medications: One Tool, Not a Cure GLP-1s (like Ozempic, Wegovy) tamp down cravings by delaying gastric emptying and triggering aversive circuits (feelings of fullness, even nausea). They work only while you're on them—and can change your relationship with food—but they are not a magic bullet. The real value? These drugs prove this is biology, not a moral failing or lack of willpower. 💥 Addiction Is in the Brain—And It's Working Too Well Food addiction isn't a sign of dysfunction—it's our reward circuits doing exactly what they were designed to do in a world of hyper-palatable foods. The issue lies in environmental mismatch—evolution designed us for scarcity, but we now live in abundance. 🧬 It's Not About Weight—It's About Health Kessler emphasizes toxic visceral fat as the real danger, not body size. This fat is metabolically active and causal in diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. 🔄 Weight Regain = Relapse Most people regain lost weight not because of laziness, but due to metabolic adaptations and craving relapse. Recovery must focus on sustainable behavior change and addressing addictive circuits. 🤝 Bridging the Gap Between Food Addiction & Eating Disorder Communities Kessler supports the inclusion of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder in the DSM and ICD. Compassion and shared understanding are key to breaking down stigma and offering effective, united treatment approaches. 🧰 Lifestyle Management & Long-Term Tools GLP-1s may be a biological bridge, but long-term success requires: Nutrition education Emotional regulation and distress tolerance Culinary skills and food sovereignty Community, support, and behavior change strategies 💡 Final Wisdom from Dr. Kessler "Once you lose the weight, that's when the real work begins." "There's no shame in using the tools that work. But we need to use them wisely, and not in isolation." Follow Dr. Kessler: Twitter @DavidAKesslerMD The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this insightful and compassionate episode, Clarissa and Molly take a deep dive into post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)—an often overlooked but critical phase in ultra-processed food addiction recovery. While well-known in substance use disorder recovery, PAWS is rarely discussed in the context of food addiction, yet it shows up in significant ways. Clarissa and Molly break down what PAWS is, why it happens, and how it can show up months or even years into recovery. They share real client experiences, neurobiological explanations, and clinical insights—plus, they normalize what can feel like a confusing and distressing time. They also offer practical strategies for clients and clinicians alike, always with compassion, humor, and a forward-thinking, growth-focused perspective. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ What is PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome describes the emotional, psychological, and physical withdrawal symptoms that can persist or reappear months or years after quitting a substance (including ultra-processed foods). It's a normal part of recovery, not a failure or a sign that you're "doing it wrong." ✅ When it shows up: Typically around the 3-, 6-, and 12-month marks, but can happen later—Molly shared an example of it showing up at 22 months! Can be a surprise to those who believed the cravings and struggles were only short-term. ✅ What it feels like: Physical symptoms: low energy, sleep issues, fatigue, and "meh" motivation. Emotional symptoms: irritability, anxiety, low mood, feeling "flat" or joyless (anhedonia). Cognitive symptoms: brain fog, intrusive food thoughts, and the return of "food dreams." A heightened sensitivity to emotional triggers and stress, feeling like everything is a "zing" or too much. ✅ It's actually a sign of healing. The brain is rewiring—dopamine pathways are adapting and recalibrating. It's part of long-term recovery, a sign that deeper healing is taking place. ✅ Common client fears: "I thought I had this figured out—why am I struggling again?" "My coping skills don't work anymore—what's wrong with me?" Clarissa and Molly reframe this as an invitation to deepen your recovery work and adapt new strategies. ✅ What helps? Revisit the basics: simple structure with food, movement, sleep, and stress reduction. Connection and support: peer groups, Sweet Sobriety, or other safe spaces. Meaningful, non-food dopamine boosts: nature, creativity, connection, movement. Supplements: like omega-3s or l-glutamine (check with your provider!). Clinician support: not pushing but holding space with compassion and curiosity. ✅ For clinicians: Learn about PAWS from the substance use disorder literature—it's crucial for validating and normalizing the client experience. Support clients without imposing your own fears about relapse—meet them with presence and empathy. Be mindful of co-occurring issues (trauma, chronic illness, medications) that can amplify PAWS. Don't pathologize or shame—this is part of the healing arc! This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear. PAWS can feel like a step backward, but it's actually a sign of forward movement. As Clarissa and Molly beautifully put it: "You're not broken—you're healing." When PAWS shows up, it's a call to pause, reset, and give yourself the same compassion and patience you'd offer anyone else in deep healing. Want to connect? Reach out to the team at: 📧 foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com Get Mollys PAWs Presentation here: https://www.sweetsobriety.ca The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this illuminating episode we speak with Dr. Filippa Juul. An epidemiologist and leading researcher on the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on human health. Together, we unpack what ultra-processed really means, why it's not just about calories or macros, and how these foods are stealthily contributing to the global rise in obesity, chronic illness, and food addiction. Dr. Juul is Assistant professor at the School of Public Health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. She earned her PhD in Epidemiology from NYU GPH in 2020, following a MSc in Public Health Nutrition from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, and a BA in Nutrition and Dietetics from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. Dr. Juul's research focuses on improving cardiometabolic health outcomes at the population level, with a particular interest in the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in diet quality, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. She utilizes large U.S. population studies to examine these associations and is also exploring the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of UPFs on cardiometabolic health. Dr. Juul explains the NOVA classification system, dives into recent groundbreaking studies, and offers insights into why UPFs are so difficult to resist—and what we can do about it, both individually and at the policy level. Key Takeaways 🧠 It's About the Processing Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are engineered for convenience and hyper-palatability—not nourishment. Processing changes how the body absorbs and responds to food, often leading to overeating and poor metabolic health. 📚 NOVA System in a Nutshell Group 1: Whole/minimally processed (e.g., fruit, eggs, plain yogurt) Group 2: Cooking ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, salt) Group 3: Processed foods (e.g., canned veggies, artisanal cheese) Group 4: Ultra-processed (e.g., nuggets, soda, protein bars) 🍟 Why We Overeat UPFs Soft, fast-eating textures bypass satiety signals High energy density = more calories, less fullness Hyper-palatable combos (fat + sugar/salt) trigger cravings Rapid absorption causes blood sugar spikes and crashes 🧬 Health Risks & Mechanisms Linked to inflammation, gut imbalance, and poor glycemic control Some additives may be harmful or addictive Genetic factors may influence vulnerability to UPF addiction 🚸 Policy & Public Health UPFs make up 60–70% of the modern diet Strong links to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health Regulation on marketing, school meals, and additives is critical Teaching cooking skills and nutrition literacy is essential ❤️ Rethinking Nourishment Nourishment means satisfying, whole-food meals—not restriction True recovery is about reclaiming joy, not giving up pleasure 💬 Quotes: "We regulate food by volume, not calories—and UPFs pack a punch." "Nourishment is key to living a healthy, happy life." "UPFs don't just harm—they replace what heals: real food and connection." 📣 To Policymakers: The obesity crisis is urgent. Make whole, nourishing foods affordable and accessible. Regulate what's sold and marketed—especially to children. Follow Dr. Juuls Research: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Filippa-Juul-2070176684/publications/3 The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Dr. Cynthia Bulik is a clinical psychologist and one of the world's leading experts on eating disorders. She is the Founding Director of the University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and also the founder director of the Centre for Eating Disorders Innovation at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Bulik is Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC, Professor of Nutrition in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Professor of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institute. Dr Bulik has received numerous awards for her pioneering work, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Eating Disorders Association, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics. She has written over 750 scientific papers, and several books aimed at educating the public about eating disorders. Currently, Dr. Bulik's focus is in the reconceptualization of eating disorders as being a metabo-psychiatric diseases. Food Junkies is keen to explore this interest in how metabolic disease plays a role in disordered eating: can this construct be the common ground to start to understand the muddy waters between eating disorders and food addiction? In This Episode, You'll Learn: 💡 The Myth of Choice: Why anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are not willful acts, but biologically driven conditions with strong genetic roots. 🧬 The Metabo-Psychiatric Model: Dr. Bulik's innovative framework showing how genetic and metabolic pathways interact to shape eating disorder vulnerability. ⚖️ The Energy Balance Switch: Why people with anorexia feel better in a state of starvation—and how this paradox rewrites what we thought we knew. 📈 New Genetic Discoveries: How genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are uncovering shared and distinct risk factors for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder—and possibly food addiction. 🔄 The Overlap with Addiction: Where eating disorders and food addiction intersect—and why treatment needs to consider both psychological and nutritional healing. 🧠 Recovery Isn't Just Psychological: Why intuitive eating and one-size-fits-all treatment plans may not work for everyone—and what truly individualized care could look like. 🧭 Hope Through Science: How understanding the biology behind disordered eating can reduce shame, validate lived experience, and open new doors for healing. 🔗 Topics Touched: Why abstinence-based recovery may be life-saving for some—and harmful for others The risk of relapse tied to negative energy balance and undernourishment What we can learn from addiction recovery in developing dual-diagnosis programs The danger of renourishing with ultra-processed foods ARFID, orthorexia, and the need for diagnostic nuance The promise of personalized treatment using genetic risk profiles 💬 A Quote to Remember: "Recovery from an eating disorder is an uphill battle against your biology. It's not a lack of willpower—it's a metabolic and psychiatric legacy that deserves compassion and understanding." Be a part of Cynthia's Research: https://edgi2.org/ Follow Cynthia: https://www.cynthiabulik.com 🌱 Sensory Modulating Strategies for Binge Eating & Food Addiction Saturday, May 31, 2025 8:30–10 AM PDT | 11:30–1 PM EDT | 4:30–6 PM UK $15USD --> Learn more and/or REGISTER HERE The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and obesity medicine. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, NYU School of Medicine, and Yale University, Dr. Sowa combines top-tier medical training with a deeply compassionate, evidence-based approach to metabolic health. She is the founder and CEO of SoWell Health, a telehealth and clinical service dedicated to treating metabolic dysfunction with personalized nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and medication when appropriate—including the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Dr. Sowa is the author of The Ozempic Revolution, where she brings clinical insights and practical tools to the forefront of the obesity and food addiction conversation. Her work emphasizes sustainable habit change, patient-centered care, and bridging the gap between medical treatment and behavioral health. Formerly collaborating with low-carb pioneer Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Sowa continues to advocate for integrating dietary strategies with hormonal and pharmaceutical interventions for a holistic approach to weight and health. Dr. Sowa is a nationally recognized voice in the field, regularly featured in publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN Health. She is passionate about helping patients reclaim their health and reframe their relationship with food through science, empathy, and empowerment. 💊 What are GLP-1s really doing to "food noise"? 📉 Why do some lose weight and others don't? 🥼 What role should lifestyle, nutrition, and yes—food addiction support—play in treatment? 💬 How do we deal with the emotional grief of losing food as a comfort? 💪 And how can obesity doctors and food addiction counselors work together for real, lasting healing? Whether you're a clinician, someone using GLP-1s, or navigating food addiction recovery—this is the conversation you don't want to miss. Follow Dr. Sowa: https://alexandrasowamd.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this compelling episode, Dr. Vera Tarman interviews Dr. Thomas Seyfried, a pioneer in the field of cancer metabolism. Dr. Seyfried challenges the mainstream view of cancer as a genetic disease and presents strong evidence that cancer is fundamentally a mitochondrial metabolic disorder. Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried is a distinguished American biologist and professor at Boston College, renowned for his pioneering work in cancer metabolism. With a Ph.D. in Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana, and postdoctoral training in neurochemistry at Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Seyfried has dedicated his career to exploring the metabolic underpinnings of cancer and other neurological diseases. Dr. Seyfried is best known for his groundbreaking book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer (2012), where he presents compelling evidence that cancer is primarily a mitochondrial metabolic disorder rather than a genetic one. This perspective builds upon the early 20th-century findings of Otto Warburg, who observed that cancer cells rely heavily on fermentation for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen—a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Dr. Seyfried's research suggests that targeting cancer's metabolic dependencies, such as glucose and glutamine, through dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet, could offer non-toxic therapeutic strategies. We explore: How cancer cells fuel themselves differently from healthy cells The connection between sugar, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and cancer growth The Warburg Effect and the roles of glucose and glutamine in tumor development Whether refined sugar is carcinogenic like tobacco Why Dr. Seyfried believes ketogenic diets and caloric restriction can be powerful cancer therapies How his views align with metabolic psychiatry (Dr. Chris Palmer's Brain Energy) The controversial yet promising approach of "press-pulse" therapy The potential for preventing cancer through dietary change Follow: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/biology/people/faculty-directory/thomas-seyfried.html https://tomseyfried.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
In this thought-provoking Clinician's Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab dive deep into the ever-popular term "self-sabotage" — and why they believe it's not only inaccurate but potentially harmful in the context of food addiction recovery. Together, they explore how behaviors often labeled as self-sabotage are actually maladaptive coping strategies, formed through years of survival. These are not signs of brokenness, but evidence of brilliance in navigating pain, trauma, and unmet needs. The duo discusses how using shame-based language like "chronic relapser" or "self-sabotage" can derail healing, and instead, offer curiosity, compassion, and nervous system awareness as more empowering alternatives. This episode is packed with insight, real client stories, and powerful reframes that will resonate with anyone navigating food addiction, emotional eating, or recovery setbacks. Key Takeaways: • 🔁 "Self-sabotage" often reflects nervous system dysregulation, not moral failure — these behaviors were once adaptive strategies that worked to protect you. • 🧠 Your brain prioritizes the familiar over the functional — even if the familiar thing hurts, it still feels safer than the unknown. • ⛔ Terms like "chronic relapser" can shut down curiosity and growth — replacing them with language like "chronic ambivalence" invites exploration and self-kindness. • 🌪️ Recovery often feels like pressing the gas and the brake at the same time — you want to grow, but fear, beliefs, or unprocessed grief can hold you back. • 🛠️ Even "maladaptive" behaviors are skills — they were practiced over time. With intention and compassion, new habits can be learned the same way. • 🔍 Behaviors like bingeing after a win, or striving for perfection, are clues — not failures. Ask, "What is this trying to tell me?" • 👥 Connection is key — community and co-regulation help us see progress we can't always witness in ourselves. Clinician Gems: • "There's no such thing as self-sabotage — only unmet needs and unprocessed fear." • "Recovery takes courage, not perfection." • "We don't erase progress with a slip. Practice doesn't disappear." • "The goal isn't a perfect streak — it's the pattern of returning." We Want to Hear From You! What landed for you in this episode? Do you resonate with the term self-sabotage — or are you ready to retire it too? Send your feedback, topic suggestions, or stories to: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com Transform Within Workshop: https://sweetsobriety.newzenler.com/courses/transform-within The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
Sharon McKenzie
The squeeky toy around the 22min mark had me laughing out loud!
Sharon McKenzie
wow, just wow, an amazing episode which I shall no doubt listen to again and again, thank you!