Food addiction isn’t about weak willpower—it’s a real neurobiological process. In this candid episode of the Eat to Live Podcast, Jenna sits down with Dr. Cara Fuhrman, ND to unpack how ultra-processed foods hijack dopamine pathways (much like alcohol or drugs), why “moderation” often backfires, and how abstinence from trigger foods + precision nutrition (G-BOMBS) rebuilds true satiety and peace of mind. Cara also shares her vulnerable recovery story—from illness and disrupted hunger cues to practical, compassionate tools that ended the binge-regret cycle.
Watch
Listen
In this episode, we explore
What food addiction really is: the brain’s reward circuitry, tolerance, and withdrawal (fatigue, anxiety, brain fog).
Abstinence vs. moderation: why the 80/20 rule often becomes 50/50—and keeps taste buds hooked.
Precision nutrition for freedom: G-BOMBS, salad-for-breakfast, and ending chronic calorie deficits that drive binges.
Rituals that replace urges: “kitchen closed” after social events, spa-night routines, pre-portioned nut/seed jars.
Mindset rewiring: quotes/affirmations, nightly gratitude, and the mantra “knowledge beats willpower.”
Social confidence: owning boundaries (sober-style clarity), staying authentic without judgment.
About our guest
Dr. Cara Fuhrman, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor and medical chef who specializes in women’s health, nutritional therapeutics, and prevention-focused lifestyle medicine. Co-founder of Longevity Rx, she blends rigorous science with practical, compassionate care—helping patients build resilient habits that last.
Key takeaways
Food addiction is real biology—not a character flaw. In this episode, we unpack how ultra-processed foods hijack the brain’s reward system and why, for many people, abstinence from trigger foods is simpler and more effective than trying to moderate them.
We show how nutrient density drives true satiety—building meals around G-BOMBS helps quiet cravings and stabilize hunger cues—and how planned replacement rituals (closing the kitchen after social events, a soothing “spa-night” routine, or pre-portioned nut/seed jars) make binges less likely.
We also focus on mindset: daily gratitude, affirmations, and the mantra “knowledge beats willpower” help rewire thought patterns so your choices align with your values. As confidence grows, food becomes peaceful again.
Gentle note
This episode discusses disordered eating behaviors. If bingeing, purging, or restriction are harming your health or safety, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional or a local helpline. You deserve compassionate, evidence-based support.
Overcoming Food Addiction: Science, Strategy & Hope
September 04, 2025 by Dr. Fuhrman Staff
Food addiction isn’t about weak willpower—it’s a real neurobiological process. In this candid episode of the Eat to Live Podcast, Jenna sits down with Dr. Cara Fuhrman, ND to unpack how ultra-processed foods hijack dopamine pathways (much like alcohol or drugs), why “moderation” often backfires, and how abstinence from trigger foods + precision nutrition (G-BOMBS) rebuilds true satiety and peace of mind. Cara also shares her vulnerable recovery story—from illness and disrupted hunger cues to practical, compassionate tools that ended the binge-regret cycle.
Watch
Listen
In this episode, we explore
What food addiction really is: the brain’s reward circuitry, tolerance, and withdrawal (fatigue, anxiety, brain fog).
Abstinence vs. moderation: why the 80/20 rule often becomes 50/50—and keeps taste buds hooked.
Precision nutrition for freedom: G-BOMBS, salad-for-breakfast, and ending chronic calorie deficits that drive binges.
Rituals that replace urges: “kitchen closed” after social events, spa-night routines, pre-portioned nut/seed jars.
Mindset rewiring: quotes/affirmations, nightly gratitude, and the mantra “knowledge beats willpower.”
Social confidence: owning boundaries (sober-style clarity), staying authentic without judgment.
About our guest
Dr. Cara Fuhrman, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor and medical chef who specializes in women’s health, nutritional therapeutics, and prevention-focused lifestyle medicine. Co-founder of Longevity Rx, she blends rigorous science with practical, compassionate care—helping patients build resilient habits that last.
Key takeaways
Food addiction is real biology—not a character flaw. In this episode, we unpack how ultra-processed foods hijack the brain’s reward system and why, for many people, abstinence from trigger foods is simpler and more effective than trying to moderate them.
We show how nutrient density drives true satiety—building meals around G-BOMBS helps quiet cravings and stabilize hunger cues—and how planned replacement rituals (closing the kitchen after social events, a soothing “spa-night” routine, or pre-portioned nut/seed jars) make binges less likely.
We also focus on mindset: daily gratitude, affirmations, and the mantra “knowledge beats willpower” help rewire thought patterns so your choices align with your values. As confidence grows, food becomes peaceful again.
Gentle note
This episode discusses disordered eating behaviors. If bingeing, purging, or restriction are harming your health or safety, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional or a local helpline. You deserve compassionate, evidence-based support.