Food Junkies

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The Food Junkies Podcast evolved from the book, making it a dynamic resource; Each week, we (Vera Tarman, Clarrissa Kennedy and Molly Painshab) connect with scientists, food addiction clinicians, authors, and recovering food addicts to share fresh insights and tackle emerging debates.

Based in Toronto, the Food Junkies podcast is the creation of Dr. Vera Tarman, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab, and features interviews with figures in Food Addiction and topic discussions on issues in the field.

Food Junkies Podcast: Does Sugar Feed Cancer? UPF and Cancer with Dr Thomas Seyfried, 2025

What about cancer and UPF? Is cancer a metabolic disease that can be prevented by our food addiction meal plans?
Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast.
Today we speak to ...oncology researcher Dr Thomas Seyfried. Dr Seyfried is an American professor of biology, genetics, and biochemistry at Boston College. He has dedicated his career to studying chronic diseases, such as cancer, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr Seyfried got his Ph.D. in Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1976 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neurology at Yale University School of Medicine, where he also served as an assistant professor.

His publications include 200 peer-reviewed articles and the 2012 book "Cancer as a Metabolic Disease”. Dr Seyfried argues that cancer is primarily a mitochondrial metabolic disease, and that metabolic therapies such as ketogenic diets and caloric restriction may be better ways to manage cancer, rather than traditional chemotherapies.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Does Sugar Feed Cancer? UPF and Cancer with Dr Thomas Seyfried, 2025

What about cancer and UPF? Is cancer a metabolic disease that can be ...

Food Junkies Podcast: Clinician's Corner - Recovery is a Lifestyle, not a Lifeboat, 2025

In this episode of Clinician’s Corner, Molly and Clarissa explore the ...

In this episode of Clinician’s Corner, Molly and Clarissa explore the often-overlooked realities of long-term recovery. While many recovery programs focus on the acute phases and early abstinence, sustainable recovery ...demands much more—it asks us to renovate our lives.
Drawing from the latest research—including insights from Harvard’s Recovery Research Institute and their own published study on food addiction outcomes—they break down the average 17-year journey toward stable remission and emphasize that recovery is a process, not a finish line.

🧠 Topics include:
The 3 stages of long-term recovery and why it takes time
What “discovery” looks like after recovery stabilizes
The role of coping skills, daily structure, and stress management
Why routine = safety for the recovering brain
The neuroscience behind mindfulness and relapse prevention
How community support, peer connection, and giving back drive lasting change
Permission to grow, evolve, and let go of what no longer serves your recoveryMolly and Clarissa also share personal reflections and client experiences that bring the research to life—reminding us all that recovery isn’t just about what we stop doing, but about what we start creating.

🔄 Whether you're early in recovery or navigating the path of long-term healing, this episode will offer validation, insight, and hope.

🧭 Key Links:
• 🎟 Register for IFACC 2025
• 📄 Read the Delphi Consensus Paper
• 📄 Read the 12-Month Outcome Study on Food Addiction Recovery

🔗 Sweet Sobriety Foundations Course

💌Please email questions, concerns, and topics to foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Food Addiction Research Updates with Dr Jen Unwin, 2025

In this episode of Food Junkies Podcast, Molly and Clarissa sit down ...

In this episode of Food Junkies Podcast, Molly and Clarissa sit down with clinical psychologist, researcher, and international food addiction advocate Dr. Jen Unwin to unpack a trifecta of groundbreaking ...developments in the field of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD). If you’ve been craving science-backed insight, real recovery stories, and practical hope for the future, this conversation delivers.

Together, we explore:
🧠 Two Major Research Milestones
• The Delphi Consensus Paper, which brings together 40 global experts to define and validate Ultra-Processed Food Addiction as a diagnostic concept
• The 12-Month Outcome Study, which demonstrates remarkable long-term improvements in food addiction symptoms and mental wellbeing across diverse international recovery programs

🌍 The Upcoming International Food Addiction & Comorbidities Conference (IFACC 2025)

Hosted in London this September, this two-day event will bring together clinicians, researchers, and the recovery community to spotlight UPFA’s role in mental health, metabolic illness, trauma, and more.

🗓 This Saturday’s Live Virtual Event – April 26
Don’t miss the Food Relationship Fix hosted by Dr. Tro Kalayjian and team—including talks from Dr. Jen, Dr. Rob Cywes, and more. All proceeds go directly toward supporting IFACC 2025 and furthering food addiction advocacy.

Whether you're a clinician, a coach, someone in recovery, or simply food-addiction-curious, this episode is packed with inspiration, cutting-edge data, and an invitation to step into hope. Dr. Jen’s message is clear: Recovery is not just possible—it’s probable.

🧭 Key Links:
• 🎟 Register for IFACC 2025
• 🎥 Join the Food Relationship Fix virtual event this Saturday (April 26)
• 📄 Read the abstract of the provisionally accepted Delphi Consensus Paper (coming soon!)
• 📄 Read the 12-Month Outcome Study on Food Addiction Recovery

💌Please email questions, concerns, and topics to foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Bitten Jonsson and Vera Tarman on the history of food addiction services, 2025

What to hear our stories? Vera Tarman and Bitten Jonsson tell all! ...

What to hear our stories? Vera Tarman and Bitten Jonsson tell all!
Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman, and I am your host for today, ...interviewing myself and Bitten Jonsson about our history with food addiction and recovery - a walk down the memory lane of food addiction
Bitten Jonsson is a Swedish pioneer in food addiction treatment with nearly 40 years of experience in addiction medicine. She is a registered nurse, addiction specialist, creator ond trainer for the Holistic Medicine Program and the SUGAR® diagnostic tool, which assesses pathological use of sugar, flour, and processed foods. She is also the author of Sugar Bomb and Sugar Bomb Cookbook, as well is the creator of the Facebook group: Sugarbomb in Your Brain.
Though I have been food addicted since my 20s, I identified as a food addict for the last seventeen years. I have working in addiction medicine for twenty years. My book Food Junkies is soon to enter its third edition, I have a Sugar and Food Addiction course that runs annual at Adapt Your Life, and I have a facebook group called Im Sweet Enough: sugar Free or Life. You can also find me on you tube at VeratarmanMD channel

💡 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:
When and how Vera and Bitten each first realized they had a problem with food
Bitten’s early days applying addiction models to sugar use in Sweden
Vera’s turning point from bulimia and obsession to scientific clarity
The evolution of treatment approaches—from restrictive diets to holistic care
Why the addiction model matters—and how it still faces resistance
Stories of frustration, discovery, and determination
The roots of their pioneering programs, books, and diagnostic tools
What’s next for food addiction science and how professionals can catch up
And yes, the dogs that helped heal their hearts 🐶

🧠 Key Takeaways:
“Food addiction” is too broad—refined sugar and flour are the real psychoactive substances
Early recovery often mimicked diet culture—freedom came through connection and knowledge
Recovery is not just physical or behavioral—it’s metabolic, neurological, psychological, and spiritual
Both Vera and Bitten believe we’re at a turning point: a renaissance in food addiction awareness and professional training

🌍 Where Do We Go From Here?
Vera and Bitten envision a future where every doctor, nurse, therapist, and policymaker is trained in recognizing and treating food addiction. They call for compassion, clarity, and connection in how we talk about—and treat—this misunderstood condition.

🐾 And yes, there are dogs. Because sometimes, unconditional love and a wagging tail really can help us stay the course.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.
Let’s end the shame—and start the healing.

💌 Email us at foodjunkiespodcast.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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: What is a Habit? Tips for the Food Addict, with Dr Eike Buabang, 2025

In this powerful and timely conversation, we welcome Dr. Eike Buabang, ...

In this powerful and timely conversation, we welcome Dr. Eike Buabang, cognitive neuroscientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, to explore one of the most fundamental yet overlooked ...topics in recovery: habits.

Dr. Buabang studies the brain mechanisms behind habit formation—why we repeat behaviors even when they no longer serve us, and how stress, repetition, and environment shape our choices. Drawing from both neuroscience and real-world applications, he offers practical insights into how we can intentionally disrupt compulsive patterns and support lasting behavior change.

Whether you’re navigating ultra-processed food recovery, supporting clients in early abstinence, or trying to create new routines that align with your values, this conversation will give you tools, understanding, and encouragement to work with—not against—your brain.

🔍 In this episode, we cover:

What is a habit? (and why they’re not just “bad choices”)
The brain’s habit vs. goal-directed systems: how they interact and conflict
Why habits persist even after behavior changes
The impact of stress and how it shifts control from intentional actions to automatic ones
Why willpower is helpful—but not the whole picture
Habit stacking and implementation intentions for creating new routines
How environment and social context influence behavior (for better or worse)
Personal values, identity, and long-term habit sustainability
Applications for recovery from addiction, OCD, and UPF use disorder
How neuroscience can support harm reduction, self-compassion, and individualized care
👤 Guest Bio:
Dr. Eike Buabang is a cognitive neuroscientist at Trinity College Dublin. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, he investigates how habits form, persist, and influence behavior—especially in contexts like addiction, decision-making, and mental health. His research uses experimental paradigms and EEG to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of habits and how they interact with our goals, environment, and emotional states.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Small consistent actions matter far more than bursts of motivation.” – Dr. Eike Buabang
“The habits remain even when the behavior stops. That’s why managing the cue-response system is so critical.”
“We don’t erase old patterns—we build new ones that can eventually override them.”

IMPORTANT INFO:

🌟 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast app! It helps others find the support and science they need to heal.

💌 Email your questions and suggestions to foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com

🚨Interested in the Transform Within Workshop in May 2025 with Vanessa Kreddler? Learn more HERE.

🍥Interested in the 2025 International Food Addiction and Comorbidities Conference? Learn more 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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Self Sabotage and FA - Clinician's Corner with Molly P and Clarissa K, 2025

In this thought-provoking Clinician’s Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy ...

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.

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.

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.”[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Food Addiction and ED - Rethininkiing the Divide, with Dr David Wiss, 2025

Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab welcome back Dr. David Wiss to ...

Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab welcome back Dr. David Wiss to explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in the field: the intersection of food addiction and eating ...disorders.
With his background in both nutrition and public health, Dr. Wiss walks us through the historical divide between the food addiction and eating disorder communities, the philosophical and clinical tensions between rigidity and flexibility, and how trauma, ACEs, and access to food complicate both diagnosis and treatment.
Whether you're a clinician confused about how to distinguish between binge eating, bulimia, and food addiction, or someone in recovery navigating your own lived experience, this episode is a must-listen.

👥 Topics Covered:
Is it an eating disorder, food addiction—or both?
Historical roots of the FA vs. ED divide
Why rigidity is seen as both the problem and the solution
The role of trauma, ACEs, and structural inequality
How clinicians can use timelines and clinical intuition in treatment
Why a continuum model offers more inclusive care
Ethical considerations in individualized vs. cookie-cutter treatment
The Wise Mind Nutrition app is a middle-ground tool for healing
💬 Key Quotes:
“Everyone has a different neuropsychiatric profile… There isn’t a manual that’s going to work for all people.” – Dr. David Wiss
“We’re not just dealing with food. We’re dealing with trauma, access, systems, and stories.” – Molly Painschab
“Both food addiction and eating disorders have valid truths—and both need a seat at the table.” – Dr. Vera Tarman

🧠 About Our Guest: Dr. David Wiss
Dr. David Wiss is a registered dietitian nutritionist and mental health researcher who has worked with more than 1,000 patients over the past 12 years. He is the founder of Nutrition in Recovery, and a global leader in the field of nutrition for addiction recovery and disordered eating.

Dr. Wiss holds a PhD in public health from UCLA, and his work bridges the gap between neurological, psychological, behavioral, and nutritional sciences. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, contributed six book chapters, and continues to challenge outdated approaches to mental health and nutrition.

Dr. Wiss is also the creator of the Wise Mind Nutrition app—an innovative platform that provides education, food logging, reflection tools, and clinician interaction for individuals working on their mental wellness through nutrition.

📍 Learn more: https://wisemindnutrition.com

📲 Resources Mentioned:
Wise Mind Nutrition App
From Evolution to Revolution: Food Addiction in Context (Frontiers in Psychiatry)
The D-FANG Model: Disordered Eating and Food Addiction Nutrition Guide
“Separating the Signal from the Noise” – David Wiss’s trauma-informed research

📣 Connect with Us:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Send your questions, reflections, or topic suggestions—let's keep the conversation going!

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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Food Insecurity and Food Addiction, with Dr Lindsey Parnarouskis, 2025

In this powerful episode of Food Junkies, we dive deep into the ...

In this powerful episode of Food Junkies, we dive deep into the intersection of food insecurity and food addiction with special guest Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis. Dr. Parnarouskis, a researcher specializing ...in food addiction and public health, shares groundbreaking insights on how socioeconomic factors and access to food impact addiction-like eating behaviors.

From her research at the Food and Addiction Science and Treatment Lab to her latest studies on the role of stress, intermittent access to food, and ultra-processed food consumption, Dr. Parnarouskis sheds light on the social justice implications of food addiction. Together, we explore the barriers faced by food-insecure individuals, how stress amplifies cravings, and what clinicians, policymakers, and society can do to create lasting change.

🔑 Key Topics Discussed:

Dr. Parnarouskis' journey into food addiction research
The strong link between food insecurity and food addiction (people experiencing food insecurity are almost four times more likely to struggle with food addiction)
How stress, financial fear, and limited access to whole foods reinforce addiction-like eating patterns
The withdrawal experience in food-insecure populations and how it mirrors other addictive substances
Why policy-level interventions—like expanding SNAP benefits, increasing access to whole foods, and regulating the food industry—are critical for preventing and addressing food addiction
The importance of harm reduction and meeting individuals where they are in recovery
How clinicians can screen for food insecurity and adjust interventions to be more compassionate and effective
🌍 Why This Conversation Matters:
Food insecurity is not just about hunger—it’s about the quality of food available, the stress of not knowing where your next meal comes from, and the long-term effects of relying on ultra-processed foods. Dr. Parnarouskis emphasizes that food addiction is not just a personal responsibility issue—it’s a systemic issue that demands policy changes, social support, and a more compassionate approach to treatment.

📚 About Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis
Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis is a clinical psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Drexel University Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan and her predoctoral internship at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Parnarouskis’ research seeks to understand the role of economic marginalization in developing and treating overeating concerns, to inform novel clinical and policy interventions.

📩 Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts on social media using #FoodJunkiesPodcast
please email us: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com
Thank you for listening! If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us spread the message of food addiction 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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Can too much Sugar Cause Alziehmer's? With Dr Donald Weaver, 2025

Could ultra-processed foods , especially sugar, be a major contributor ...

Could ultra-processed foods , especially sugar, be a major contributor to the current epidemic of Alziehemers disease? Are people who are struggling with ultra-processed food addiction more at risk for ...developing Alziehmers?
Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman, and I am your host today, speaking with Dr. Donald F. Weaver, a world renown expert on Alzheimer's disease - its causes and its treatment.

Dr. Donald F. Weaver is a Canadian neurologist, chemist, and researcher at the University of Toronto. He holds an MD from Queen's University ,completed his neurology residency at Dalhousie University. and has a PhD in chemistry from Queen's University. As a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute and Professor of Neurology, Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Toronto, Dr. Weaver has made significant contributions to the field of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Indeed, he is revolutionizing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. His groundbreaking work proposes that Alzheimer's is not just an inherited brain disorder, but an autoimmune condition affecting the brain, in response to toxic environmental insults such as metals, plastics, pesticides and of interest to us, ultra-processed food. We at Food Junkies have often alluded to the inflammatory effects of sugar and UPF on the brain, and today we will learn of the specifics.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Dr. Weaver’s journey into neurology and Alzheimer’s research, including a personal story that shaped his career.
✔️ Why Alzheimer’s is not just one disease but a collection of related disorders.
✔️ The role of inflammation and the immune system in developing Alzheimer’s.
✔️ How ultra-processed foods contribute to brain inflammation and cognitive decline.
✔️ The similarities between Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases.
✔️ Why head trauma, air pollution, and diet are major risk factors.
✔️ How diabetes and obesity increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and why some researchers call it “Type 3 Diabetes.”
✔️ The potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic) to reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
✔️ Why it’s never too late to make dietary changes to protect brain health.
✔️ The latest research on potential treatments and vaccines for Alzheimer’s.

Key Quotes:
🧠 “Diet is the most important modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s.” – Dr. Donald Weaver
🧠 “Your brain is what makes you—you. Your memories define you. Alzheimer’s is one of the most devastating diseases of the brain.” – Dr. Donald Weaver
🧠 “It’s never too late to protect your brain. Delaying Alzheimer’s by just five years can mean more time with your loved ones.” – Dr. Donald Weaver

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Your support helps us bring you more incredible conversations on the science of food addiction and 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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Clinician's Corner w Molly and Crissy on the Import of Belonging in Recovery

Hosts Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab explore the critical theme ...

Hosts Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab explore the critical theme of belonging in recovery. They discuss the concept of "othering"—feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood—and its deep impact on individuals in ...their healing journeys. The episode is framed around a powerful quote from George Orwell about the loneliness of being misunderstood, setting the stage for a rich discussion on attachment, connection, and the need for belonging.

Clarissa and Molly share personal experiences of feeling different, whether in family dynamics, social settings, or recovery groups. They examine how attachment styles—secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized—shape our ability to connect with others. Understanding these patterns can help individuals navigate relationships and cultivate deeper connections.

They also highlight the essential role of nervous system regulation in recovery, emphasizing the power of co-regulation—where we find safety and grounding in connection with others. The discussion broadens into various forms of belonging, including interpersonal relationships, collective experiences, casual encounters, symbolic bonds, esteem-building, and contemplative practices.

The episode concludes with encouragement for those feeling isolated in their recovery journey. The hosts remind listeners that belonging is cultivated over time and that finding one’s community may take patience and effort. They stress the importance of honoring one’s truth, setting boundaries, and staying open to new connections.

Key Takeaways:

The Pain of "Othering" – Feeling unseen and misunderstood can be isolating, but it’s a common experience, especially in recovery.
Attachment Styles Impact Belonging – Secure attachment fosters deep connection, while avoidant or anxious styles can make relationships challenging.
Nervous System Regulation Through Connection – Belonging and co-regulation with others help soothe the nervous system and support healing.

Six Ways to Cultivate Belonging:

Interpersonal Relationships – Quality connections with family, friends, and recovery groups.
Collective Experiences – Participating in group activities or shared traditions.
Casual Encounters – Everyday interactions that remind us of our place in the world.
Symbolic Bonds – Connecting through shared identities, cultures, or symbols.
Esteem-Building – Feeling valued through contributions and recognition.
Contemplative Practices – Finding connection through nature, mindfulness, and self-reflection.
Vulnerability and Authenticity Foster True Belonging – Sharing personal stories and being open can create deep connections.

Belonging is Not About Fitting In – It’s about being seen and accepted as you are, not changing yourself to match others’ expectations.

Recovery Requires Courage to Stand Alone at Times – Not everyone will understand your journey, but staying true to yourself is essential.

Finding Your People Takes Time – Your community is out there. Keep showing up, being authentic, and honoring your truth.

Connect With Us:
Have thoughts on this topic? Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com. We’d love to hear your experiences and suggestions for future episodes!

Closing Thoughts:
Your journey is valid. You are worthy of belonging exactly as you are. Keep searching for your community—they exist, and they will welcome you with open arms.

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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: More on Nick Norwitz

In this episode, we welcome back Nick Norwitz for Part 2 of our deep ...

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.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Metabolic Reasons for Weight Stalls, Nick Norowitz Part 2, 2025

In this episode, we welcome back Nick Norwitz for Part 2 of our deep ...

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)

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.[+] Show More

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Food Junkies

The Food Junkies Podcast evolved from the book, making it a dynamic resource; Each week, we (Vera Tarman, Clarrissa Kennedy and Molly Painshab) connect with scientists, food addiction clinicians, authors, and recovering food addicts to share fresh insights and tackle emerging debates.

Based in Toronto, the Food Junkies podcast is the creation of Dr. Vera Tarman, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab, and features interviews with figures in Food Addiction and topic discussions on issues in the field.

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