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Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet Using Neuroscience
“Our ‘druggified’ food supply makes us all vulnerable to the problem of compulsive overconsumption. This practical guide, informed by the latest science and decades of clinical experience, is a tutorial in self-compassion as much as a science-help approach to overeating.”
—Anna Lembke, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Dopamine Nation
A game-changing approach to overcome food addiction and radically improve your health. Have you ever wondered why you’re addicted to certain foods? Would it shock you to learn that the food industry engineers food products with the express purpose of getting you hooked? With millions wrestling with food addiction, is it any surprise that much of what is meant to sustain us is in fact making us sick? The increasing dependence on unhealthy, ultra-processed foods invites a host of health problems—from obesity and heart disease to diabetes. So, how can you break free from this destructive cycle? Written by an addiction psychiatrist with decades of experience, this powerful guide combines proven-effective techniques based in addiction and eating disorder treatments to help you overcome the unhealthy food habit, once and for all. In addition to real-world stories from others who have battled food addiction, you’ll learn how certain foods can actually alter your neurochemistry—lighting up reward centers in your brain just like nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to move beyond the self-blame, shame, and internalized stigma that is associated with food addiction, so you can start taking steps toward lasting recovery. If you’re trapped in a never-ending cycle of yo-yo dieting, crazy cravings, and binging (with or without purging), this evidence-based guide can help you get back on track. It’s time to say goodbye to “big food,” and the packaged products that keep you from nourishing and enriching both your body and mind. This powerful book can help you get started today.
—Anna Lembke, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Dopamine Nation
A game-changing approach to overcome food addiction and radically improve your health. Have you ever wondered why you’re addicted to certain foods? Would it shock you to learn that the food industry engineers food products with the express purpose of getting you hooked? With millions wrestling with food addiction, is it any surprise that much of what is meant to sustain us is in fact making us sick? The increasing dependence on unhealthy, ultra-processed foods invites a host of health problems—from obesity and heart disease to diabetes. So, how can you break free from this destructive cycle? Written by an addiction psychiatrist with decades of experience, this powerful guide combines proven-effective techniques based in addiction and eating disorder treatments to help you overcome the unhealthy food habit, once and for all. In addition to real-world stories from others who have battled food addiction, you’ll learn how certain foods can actually alter your neurochemistry—lighting up reward centers in your brain just like nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to move beyond the self-blame, shame, and internalized stigma that is associated with food addiction, so you can start taking steps toward lasting recovery. If you’re trapped in a never-ending cycle of yo-yo dieting, crazy cravings, and binging (with or without purging), this evidence-based guide can help you get back on track. It’s time to say goodbye to “big food,” and the packaged products that keep you from nourishing and enriching both your body and mind. This powerful book can help you get started today.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
20 people are currently reading
2623 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 28, 2025
I never read self-help books, but this is so relevant for today’s health landscape.
“The more you feed a sweet tooth, the more likely it is to grow into a sweet fang.”
This bridges the intimidating gap between academic research and real-world application, providing work practices, real-people examples, and scenarios that we all find ourselves in.
Importantly, this book is NOT about weight loss. This is actually a very positive book regarding body image and living in bigger bodies and finding and knowing your own body’s needs. It even delves into eating disorders and how to differentiate between them. It also provides a lot of resources.
At the forefront, this book places a lot of the blame on how companies are capitalising on “vanishing caloric density” foods - ultra-processed foods that are crafted to dissolve in your mouth so fast that your brain doesn’t realize it ate anything at all.
Did you know it takes only 5 seconds for sugar to light up the reward synapses? This is higher than drugs, tabacco, gambling, etc.
Brains that were more sensitive to food cues and were motivated to consume high-calorie foods when they were available were evolutionarily advantageous. These prehistoric systems are still in our brains, and in today’s food environment, the lights in them are going on and off like a pinball machine.
This gets more personal which makes it easier to digest and relate to - it recognises the constant exhaustive battle with yourself.
This breaks down the stigma surrounding all forms of addiction and shows you how our brain is wired to send signals to enforce such addictions or habits.
If you slip often, don’t label yourself a “chronic relapser” but a “chronic never-giver-upper.” Slips aren’t failures; they’re chances to learn.
This book gave me much to think on.
This book doesn’t just inform; it empowers readers to take control.
I did not find the practices that avant garde, so I think this was more empowering in terms of information for me.
Whilst backed up by a lot of evidence and sources, of course, this is still relatively new and I can see where subjectivity may have coloured certain stances.
Arc gifted by New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
“The more you feed a sweet tooth, the more likely it is to grow into a sweet fang.”
This bridges the intimidating gap between academic research and real-world application, providing work practices, real-people examples, and scenarios that we all find ourselves in.
Importantly, this book is NOT about weight loss. This is actually a very positive book regarding body image and living in bigger bodies and finding and knowing your own body’s needs. It even delves into eating disorders and how to differentiate between them. It also provides a lot of resources.
At the forefront, this book places a lot of the blame on how companies are capitalising on “vanishing caloric density” foods - ultra-processed foods that are crafted to dissolve in your mouth so fast that your brain doesn’t realize it ate anything at all.
Did you know it takes only 5 seconds for sugar to light up the reward synapses? This is higher than drugs, tabacco, gambling, etc.
Brains that were more sensitive to food cues and were motivated to consume high-calorie foods when they were available were evolutionarily advantageous. These prehistoric systems are still in our brains, and in today’s food environment, the lights in them are going on and off like a pinball machine.
This gets more personal which makes it easier to digest and relate to - it recognises the constant exhaustive battle with yourself.
This breaks down the stigma surrounding all forms of addiction and shows you how our brain is wired to send signals to enforce such addictions or habits.
If you slip often, don’t label yourself a “chronic relapser” but a “chronic never-giver-upper.” Slips aren’t failures; they’re chances to learn.
This book gave me much to think on.
This book doesn’t just inform; it empowers readers to take control.
I did not find the practices that avant garde, so I think this was more empowering in terms of information for me.
Whilst backed up by a lot of evidence and sources, of course, this is still relatively new and I can see where subjectivity may have coloured certain stances.
Arc gifted by New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
August 12, 2025
While waiting for food addiction to be recognized as a real diagnosis, in this book there are tools to check if we have this problem and strategies to learn how to manage it. Obviously, this essay is not a substitute for a professional, but it always comes in handy to have a couple of tricks up my sleeve for not buying chips at the supermarket when I go grocery shopping and am already starving, for example, and in my case of course.
Mentre si aspetta che la food addiction venga riconosciuta come una vera e propria diagnosi, in questo libro ci sono gli strumenti per verificare se abbiamo questo problema e delle strategie per imparare a gestirla. Ovviamente questo saggio non sostituisce un professionista, ma fa sempre comodo avere un paio di trucchi nella manica per non comprare le patatine al supermercato quando vado a fare la spesa e sto giá morendo di fame, per esempio e nel mio caso ovviamente.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Mentre si aspetta che la food addiction venga riconosciuta come una vera e propria diagnosi, in questo libro ci sono gli strumenti per verificare se abbiamo questo problema e delle strategie per imparare a gestirla. Ovviamente questo saggio non sostituisce un professionista, ma fa sempre comodo avere un paio di trucchi nella manica per non comprare le patatine al supermercato quando vado a fare la spesa e sto giá morendo di fame, per esempio e nel mio caso ovviamente.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
August 17, 2025
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled with overeating, food cravings or challenges with their weight. Rarely does an author bring all the current scientific knowledge, the practical information to help you have a healthier relationship with food, the necessary tools for recovery, a wide variety of resources to support you, and also share her own personal journey with food addiction.
The book is filled with everything you need to understand your relationship with food, to implement a plan, and to find plenty of support options to have a peaceful relationship with food. This is not a diet or a plan of restrictions, it’s a shift into a healthy way of eating. This book is also recommended for those in health care to share with patients and clients who struggle with food cravings or overeating.
The book is filled with everything you need to understand your relationship with food, to implement a plan, and to find plenty of support options to have a peaceful relationship with food. This is not a diet or a plan of restrictions, it’s a shift into a healthy way of eating. This book is also recommended for those in health care to share with patients and clients who struggle with food cravings or overeating.
October 7, 2025
It's a good and realistic self-help book. Food addiction is really dangerous, hope this book help people to get over it
June 1, 2025
Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain is an eye-opening and thought-provoking book that dives into the lesser-understood topic of food addiction. Since there’s limited research specifically on food addiction, the author draws heavily from existing studies on addiction and eating disorders sometimes leaning a bit heavily into the science, which can feel dense at times. Still, the overall tone remains informative and practical, with a strong focus on actionable strategies.
The core of the book promotes a keto or low-carb lifestyle, encouraging readers to stay away from hyper-palatable, highly rewarding foods that are trigger foods. What stood out to me was how the author doesn’t just demonize junk food and highly processed stuff she also explains how even “healthified” versions of addictive foods can fuel the same unhealthy behaviors. One unforgettable anecdote illustrates this perfectly: the author describes being so obsessed with her homemade cookies (made with “healthy” fruit jam) that she rationalized eating them even after breaking a glass jar into the dough, telling herself there might not be that much glass in them. It’s a jarring but honest look at how powerful food addiction can be.
The book offers tools to help readers identify their addiction triggers and recognize when they’re about to give in. It emphasizes mindfulness, journaling, getting a good nights rest and planning ahead, rather than relying solely on willpower. There’s also a memorable section on “volume eating” a tendency to binge on large quantities of even healthy foods (hello whole watermelon), which can still be physically and emotionally harmful despite the food’s nutritional profile.
What I appreciated most was the balance of personal insight, scientific explanation, and practical advice. The book doesn’t promise quick fixes, but it does offer hope and a roadmap for those who are ready to confront the emotional and biological roots of their food habits. This was an ARC copy so the online materials were not available yet but there should be a robust about of online support to go with the book and you can also listen to the podcast that inspired it, Food Junkies Podcast.
The core of the book promotes a keto or low-carb lifestyle, encouraging readers to stay away from hyper-palatable, highly rewarding foods that are trigger foods. What stood out to me was how the author doesn’t just demonize junk food and highly processed stuff she also explains how even “healthified” versions of addictive foods can fuel the same unhealthy behaviors. One unforgettable anecdote illustrates this perfectly: the author describes being so obsessed with her homemade cookies (made with “healthy” fruit jam) that she rationalized eating them even after breaking a glass jar into the dough, telling herself there might not be that much glass in them. It’s a jarring but honest look at how powerful food addiction can be.
The book offers tools to help readers identify their addiction triggers and recognize when they’re about to give in. It emphasizes mindfulness, journaling, getting a good nights rest and planning ahead, rather than relying solely on willpower. There’s also a memorable section on “volume eating” a tendency to binge on large quantities of even healthy foods (hello whole watermelon), which can still be physically and emotionally harmful despite the food’s nutritional profile.
What I appreciated most was the balance of personal insight, scientific explanation, and practical advice. The book doesn’t promise quick fixes, but it does offer hope and a roadmap for those who are ready to confront the emotional and biological roots of their food habits. This was an ARC copy so the online materials were not available yet but there should be a robust about of online support to go with the book and you can also listen to the podcast that inspired it, Food Junkies Podcast.
June 12, 2025
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
While food addiction is still not considered a formal medical condition, it is clear from mounting evidence that it will soon be recognized as something that can be covered by medical planning. And while this book is more of a survey course, is very dense, has far too much medical terminology, and doesn't make as sounded a case as it should, there is still good info in here.Most of the book is a discussions of the topic. I appreciated that the author goes into depth but it is mind numbingly written at times and not very accessible or friendly. The author has dealt with addiction herself and that perspective is greatly appreciated. As well, there are so many aspects to food addiction - from psychological to physiological, external influences to commognition, history and manufacturing. These are all explored in depth with good insights but also a LOT of terminology to slog through.
Unfortunately, the book felt too narrowly focused on food addiction and used very questionable sources. Quotes from e.g., Nina Eichholtz (long known to be in the pocket of big beef) seems very counterintuitive in a book about the evils of the food industry and how they obfuscate facts. Similarly, quotes from Dr. Benjamin Bikman, who supports keto dieting (a very unscientifically proven or explored approach to health) felt also problematic. Their quotes were convenient to the points the author was making but it really destroyed credibility for me. I couldn't help but feel that the solutions presented were good in the short term for sugar addiction but could have disastrous consequences on long term health if they became the new norm for addicted individuals. There is a lot of focus on eating more fat and protein instead.
One point I really did appreciate is that the focus of getting rid of food addiction should never be on weight loss - something which brings a whole new set of roadblocks and repercussions.
In all, very dense, hard to read, the solutions come very late and are short, and deal mostly with avoidance and mindfulness. There is a bigger picture here that seems to have been missed about nutrition beyond food addictions. It is worth the read if you can get past all the heavy medical jargon and factoids (and the 1000 times the Food Junkies podcast is plugged). Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 9, 2025
Food addiction is being more recognized as being just as relevant as tobacco, drugs and alcohol as a country wide health problem. People who wonder "Why do I binge on cookies?", "Why is it so hard to eat healthy?" can find these answers in this book. This book will teach you to, as the title states, "rewire your brain" so that it no longer is triggered by unhealthy choices, especially sugar, recognizing trigger foods and situations where one has the tendency to overeat certain foods.
The object of this book is not to lose weight or "weight release" as the author puts it but to create a healthier overall lifestyle by eating more whole foods and less of the ultra-processed foods that are being sold to consumers these days. She draws the conclusion that since the 60's when food corporations started making these highly addictive, pleasure rewarding foods our country has become heavier and unhealthier as a result. This book does not fat shame, it advocates health at any size and draws distinctions between eating disorders, where one needs possible psychological help and food addictions which can be managed through a self-guided program of recognizing ones triggers, avoiding them and making better choices until you are 'rewired" or it becomes a habit and the cravings fade.
Though the author lays out a plan for healthy eating it also gives one permission to not be rigid about it. It should be a joyful part of your life not an obligation.
There is a lot of science to back up the authors assertions which as a layperson I found hard to wade through but it was understandable enough that I could see the science that supports the concept of food addition and how the brain and various body chemicals work around eating, pleasure, satiety and weight maintenance.
There some personal stories, including the authors, that helped me connect more to the book in recognizing my own behaviors reflected in theirs.
There are handouts online, a recommended podcast and several exercises in the book to further ones own understanding of ones personal relationships to food and to expand the readers knowledge base.
The object of this book is not to lose weight or "weight release" as the author puts it but to create a healthier overall lifestyle by eating more whole foods and less of the ultra-processed foods that are being sold to consumers these days. She draws the conclusion that since the 60's when food corporations started making these highly addictive, pleasure rewarding foods our country has become heavier and unhealthier as a result. This book does not fat shame, it advocates health at any size and draws distinctions between eating disorders, where one needs possible psychological help and food addictions which can be managed through a self-guided program of recognizing ones triggers, avoiding them and making better choices until you are 'rewired" or it becomes a habit and the cravings fade.
Though the author lays out a plan for healthy eating it also gives one permission to not be rigid about it. It should be a joyful part of your life not an obligation.
There is a lot of science to back up the authors assertions which as a layperson I found hard to wade through but it was understandable enough that I could see the science that supports the concept of food addition and how the brain and various body chemicals work around eating, pleasure, satiety and weight maintenance.
There some personal stories, including the authors, that helped me connect more to the book in recognizing my own behaviors reflected in theirs.
There are handouts online, a recommended podcast and several exercises in the book to further ones own understanding of ones personal relationships to food and to expand the readers knowledge base.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and New Harbinger for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
You've never heard the words "food addiction" before because food hasn't really been categorized as a "drug," per se. According to the American Society For Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 40.3% of adults in America are considered obese, with 9.4% of those people being severely obese (I will link the source below). No one can say that those numbers don't pose a problem for people in the United States, and which can also extend to other countries. Although food addiction isn't officially part of the mental health world, it soon may be with how Claire Wilcox, MD explains the impact food has on our bodies and more importantly our brains.
Dr. Wilcox poses that obesity and food addiction are not due to lack of willpower or laziness. It's a product of learned brain circuitry from highly rewarding, ultra-processed foods. This book talks about the brain, how it functions and how immediate highly rewarding, ultra-processed foods fit the brain circuit, causing dopamine and other "happy" neurons to go haywire. The brain is not immune to change nor addiction. This book was written really well and she cited her sources appropriately. She has a plethora of examples comparing food addiction to other highly addictive substances (drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc.). In all honesty, the words, examples, and personal stories I read in this book have me questioning what I put in my body and wanting to heal my brain circuitry.
I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in addictions as a whole, those who believe they have a food addiction and are looking for help to make some changes, or really anyone.
American Society For Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery:
https://asmbs.org/wp-content/uploads/...
You've never heard the words "food addiction" before because food hasn't really been categorized as a "drug," per se. According to the American Society For Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 40.3% of adults in America are considered obese, with 9.4% of those people being severely obese (I will link the source below). No one can say that those numbers don't pose a problem for people in the United States, and which can also extend to other countries. Although food addiction isn't officially part of the mental health world, it soon may be with how Claire Wilcox, MD explains the impact food has on our bodies and more importantly our brains.
Dr. Wilcox poses that obesity and food addiction are not due to lack of willpower or laziness. It's a product of learned brain circuitry from highly rewarding, ultra-processed foods. This book talks about the brain, how it functions and how immediate highly rewarding, ultra-processed foods fit the brain circuit, causing dopamine and other "happy" neurons to go haywire. The brain is not immune to change nor addiction. This book was written really well and she cited her sources appropriately. She has a plethora of examples comparing food addiction to other highly addictive substances (drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc.). In all honesty, the words, examples, and personal stories I read in this book have me questioning what I put in my body and wanting to heal my brain circuitry.
I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in addictions as a whole, those who believe they have a food addiction and are looking for help to make some changes, or really anyone.
American Society For Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery:
https://asmbs.org/wp-content/uploads/...
September 1, 2025
As someone who has struggled with disordered eating throughout my life, I found Dr. Wilcox’s book to be both refreshing and transformative. Unlike so many books that push fad diets as the answer, this one focuses on something much deeper: how our brains are wired for sugar addiction.
Dr. Wilcox explains the science in a way that’s easy to understand, while removing self-blame from the conversation. This especially resonated with me because I have always carried so much shame around my own intense sugar cravings — at times I could go days eating almost nothing but cookies, cake, and other sweets. For the first time, I felt validated and like my struggle wasn’t about weakness or lack of willpower, but about how my brain was wired.
What really stood out was Dr. Wilcox’s vulnerability in sharing her own journey — from being caught in a cycle of addictive, maladaptive eating patterns to finally breaking free by learning to identify and cut out her trigger foods, especially sugar.
I walked away not only understanding why sugar addiction is so powerful, but also believing that if Dr. Wilcox could overcome it, maybe I can too.
Dr. Wilcox explains the science in a way that’s easy to understand, while removing self-blame from the conversation. This especially resonated with me because I have always carried so much shame around my own intense sugar cravings — at times I could go days eating almost nothing but cookies, cake, and other sweets. For the first time, I felt validated and like my struggle wasn’t about weakness or lack of willpower, but about how my brain was wired.
What really stood out was Dr. Wilcox’s vulnerability in sharing her own journey — from being caught in a cycle of addictive, maladaptive eating patterns to finally breaking free by learning to identify and cut out her trigger foods, especially sugar.
I walked away not only understanding why sugar addiction is so powerful, but also believing that if Dr. Wilcox could overcome it, maybe I can too.
October 1, 2025
Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain is an important addition to the conversation regarding the causes of disordered eating. The old paradigm of loss-of-control eating often attributes the behavior to emotional numbing or chronic dieting only. But in my own clinical experience treating eating disorders for over 15 years there is a missing piece for some clients. In the western world we live in an environment saturated with highly palatable, sugar-laden treats—readily available and relentlessly marketed. These highly processed foods are certainly playing a role. Wilcox’s work bridges the gap, validating what so many clinicians and patients have observed but struggled to articulate: food addiction!
Anyone who has ever suffered from loss-of-control eating and has already tried the conventional approaches should read this book. It breaks down the neuroscience of food addiction into accessible language and provides practical tips for recovery. Wilcox shares this practical advice with empathy, informed by her work in addiction recovery and her patients' experiences.
Anyone who has ever suffered from loss-of-control eating and has already tried the conventional approaches should read this book. It breaks down the neuroscience of food addiction into accessible language and provides practical tips for recovery. Wilcox shares this practical advice with empathy, informed by her work in addiction recovery and her patients' experiences.
October 14, 2025
I learned a lot about myself, food addiction, and ultra-processed food reading Claire Wilcox, MD's Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain. The book is equal parts medical text/reference guide, self-assessment, and self-help book. The science up-front is approachable with a short vocabulary lesson, and can be moved through quickly for those who aren't as academically inclined. The chapters are short and well paced for a dense topic. Her research and sources are incredibly well documented; clearly, a lot of work went into her studies.
The way Dr. Wilcox openly relates as a fellow food addict makes the text that much more credible. She is honest and truthful in portraying the challenges of food addiction, which is comforting and reassuring.
I feel like I could spend many more hours referencing all of the bonus material and citations to learn more like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but there's plenty to work on with just the book.
The way Dr. Wilcox openly relates as a fellow food addict makes the text that much more credible. She is honest and truthful in portraying the challenges of food addiction, which is comforting and reassuring.
I feel like I could spend many more hours referencing all of the bonus material and citations to learn more like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but there's plenty to work on with just the book.
November 17, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the author who’s a friend and colleague in exchange for an honest review. Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain written by Claire Wilcox MD is a clear, concise, and informative book that tackles a growing problem in American society, addiction to ultra-processed food. Big tobacco has transitioned to food production, so is it any surprise that they have made food the next highly addictive substance? This book doesn’t shame people for food addiction; instead it arms you with the scientific knowledge to understand how are brains are being manipulated to eat more and more of this highly palatable but nutritionally vacant food. No book can be all things to all people, but this one does a great job of offering a menu of suggestions, so anyone should be able to find some practical advice well-suited to their individual situation and concerns.
August 23, 2025
This is an insightful and accessible read that dives into how processed foods impact our brains and bodies—and why they can be so harmful. The author does a great job of breaking down complex neuroscience and nutrition concepts into a clear, digestible format. What I especially appreciated were the practical suggestions throughout the book on how to break free from these unhealthy habits and start building a healthier relationship with food. The writing is concise, easy to follow, and packed with useful takeaways that I plan to put into practice. Overall, this is a highly informative and well-written book that I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in understanding food addiction and making lasting changes.
December 21, 2025
This book was filled with practical advice, loads of resources and obviously written by someone with insight and experience about food addictions. What set it apart for me though was the underlying kindness, compassion, and acceptance Dr. Wilcox exhibits. It produced hope in me and that is perhaps the books biggest gift.
July 27, 2025
This could be a good guide for people who are addicted to junk food. I am not the target reader, since I already eat a healthy diet. I'm always looking for ways to eat less, though, as a I get older and it's harder to keep the weight off, and the title of this drew me in.
Turns out, it's for a specific type of eater, and "food addiction" is a specific type of addiction to eating caused by junkie additives and sugar. So, to begin with this wasn't geared toward me.
That said, I found the focus on science to be somewhat dry, although full of good knowledge.
I also found the recommendations, in terms of diet, to be pretty standard.
I hope this book could be helpful to people who are struggling with the kinds of food addictions the author is targeting.
Thank you to NetGalley, New Harbinger Publications, and Claire Wilcox MD for the opportunity to review an advanced copy
Turns out, it's for a specific type of eater, and "food addiction" is a specific type of addiction to eating caused by junkie additives and sugar. So, to begin with this wasn't geared toward me.
That said, I found the focus on science to be somewhat dry, although full of good knowledge.
I also found the recommendations, in terms of diet, to be pretty standard.
I hope this book could be helpful to people who are struggling with the kinds of food addictions the author is targeting.
Thank you to NetGalley, New Harbinger Publications, and Claire Wilcox MD for the opportunity to review an advanced copy
September 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book and it made me think about my own food cravings and choices around food.
The author weaves together her professional background as an addiction psychiatrist, with the scientific knowledge around food, with her personal experiences with eating and choices we make.
I was able to finish this easy to read book in about 3 sittings.
Overall, this book will give you helpful information. The main messages I got are: You may need to abstain from your trigger foods if that works for you. And/or you can practice harm reduction such as having ice cream in a social activity with friends versus eating a larger quantity home alone. The food industry has invested a fortune in creating foods that trigger cravings and obsessive desire to eat their foods. Cravings will pass if you can sit with them long enough. You will enjoy healthier foods more if you stop eating overprocessed over sweetened foods that are so readily available.
The book includes links to more information on the publisher's site. But the book stands on its own.
I preordered this book because I do know the author and looked forward to reading it. I figured if I did not like it, I would tell the author something kind and move on. But I really liked it and have recommended this book to a number of friends and patients.
The author weaves together her professional background as an addiction psychiatrist, with the scientific knowledge around food, with her personal experiences with eating and choices we make.
I was able to finish this easy to read book in about 3 sittings.
Overall, this book will give you helpful information. The main messages I got are: You may need to abstain from your trigger foods if that works for you. And/or you can practice harm reduction such as having ice cream in a social activity with friends versus eating a larger quantity home alone. The food industry has invested a fortune in creating foods that trigger cravings and obsessive desire to eat their foods. Cravings will pass if you can sit with them long enough. You will enjoy healthier foods more if you stop eating overprocessed over sweetened foods that are so readily available.
The book includes links to more information on the publisher's site. But the book stands on its own.
I preordered this book because I do know the author and looked forward to reading it. I figured if I did not like it, I would tell the author something kind and move on. But I really liked it and have recommended this book to a number of friends and patients.
October 1, 2025
Valuable reference and investigation of UPFs/food addiction. It will change how you see and eat food.
October 23, 2025
In the nicest way possible: if you relate to any of the things in this book do me a favour and google orthorexia.
You're not "addicted to food". You have an eating disorder.
You're not "addicted to food". You have an eating disorder.
June 29, 2025
This book offers a compassionate look into the neuroscience behind food addiction. The blend of clinical insight and personal experience makes it an engaging read, especially for those just beginning to explore the topic.
However, I found parts of it a bit repetitive, and while the science is interesting, it doesn’t always translate into clear, practical steps. If you’re looking for a structured recovery guide or more in-depth strategies, this might not quite hit the mark.
Still, it’s a decent starting point for understanding the emotional and neurological roots of compulsive eating.
However, I found parts of it a bit repetitive, and while the science is interesting, it doesn’t always translate into clear, practical steps. If you’re looking for a structured recovery guide or more in-depth strategies, this might not quite hit the mark.
Still, it’s a decent starting point for understanding the emotional and neurological roots of compulsive eating.
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