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Food Junkie

The emerging science of addictive overeating

Addiction
Why Isn’t Food Addiction in the DSM?

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on May 9, 2024

Food addiction is not yet recognized by the DSM despite research-backed evidence that demonstrates the addictive properties of food.

Food addiction is not yet recognized by the DSM despite research-backed evidence that demonstrates the addictive properties of food.

Diet
Places Sugar May Be Hiding in Your Diet

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on April 15, 2024

Sugar can be sneaky, and it may just be hiding where you least expect it. Let's discuss some common places where sugar may be hiding and some better-for-you alternatives.

Sugar can be sneaky, and it may just be hiding where you least expect it. Let's discuss some common places where sugar may be hiding and some better-for-you alternatives.

Diet
Managing Social Pressures Around Sugar

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on April 1, 2024

Breaking sugar dependence can be challenging, and social pressures can certainly make it more difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate social pressures and see success.

Breaking sugar dependence can be challenging, and social pressures can certainly make it more difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate social pressures and see success.

Alcoholism
Sugar Withdrawal: How Does It Occur?

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on March 19, 2024

The withdrawal symptoms seen in situations of drug and alcohol addiction may manifest in situations of sugar dependence.

The withdrawal symptoms seen in situations of drug and alcohol addiction may manifest in situations of sugar dependence.

Diet
What's the Scoop on Fructose?

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on March 4, 2024

The intake of excessive amounts of processed foods and beverages that are rich in sugar and fructose can be detrimental and result in negative health outcomes.

The intake of excessive amounts of processed foods and beverages that are rich in sugar and fructose can be detrimental and result in negative health outcomes.

Diet
The Connection Between Added Sugar and Chronic Disease

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on February 12, 2024

Excessive sugar intake has been linked with chronic diseases. Making small, sustainable changes to your diet can decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Excessive sugar intake has been linked with chronic diseases. Making small, sustainable changes to your diet can decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Diet
Sugar Is in Almost Everything—Hiding in Plain Sight

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on February 6, 2024

Sugar is hiding in plain sight—sometimes where you least expect it. Being able to identify foods that contain added sugar is vital in your fight against sugar dependence.

Sugar is hiding in plain sight—sometimes where you least expect it. Being able to identify foods that contain added sugar is vital in your fight against sugar dependence.

Stress
How to Manage Stress When Cutting Out Sugar

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on January 23, 2024

Struggling to cut out sugar because you’re too stressed? Here are techniques you can use that will help manage both your stress and sugar cravings.

Struggling to cut out sugar because you’re too stressed? Here are techniques you can use that will help manage both your stress and sugar cravings.

Diet
School Lunches Without All the Added Sugar

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on January 2, 2024

Packing lunch is a great way to provide your children with essential nutrients that support growth and development. However, added sugars can make this challenging.

Packing lunch is a great way to provide your children with essential nutrients that support growth and development. However, added sugars can make this challenging.

Perfectionism
Perfectionism and Self-Criticism

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on April 27, 2020

You want to lose weight. Did you ever think that your mindset and coping style, which for some can be displayed as perfectionism or self-criticism, could be important to succeed?

You want to lose weight. Did you ever think that your mindset and coping style, which for some can be displayed as perfectionism or self-criticism, could be important to succeed?

Health
Can Supplements Really Improve Your Cognitive Functioning?

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on March 19, 2019

In many ways, brain health is somewhat out of our control, due to genetics or age-related changes that we can’t do much about. But can dietary supplements make a difference?

In many ways, brain health is somewhat out of our control, due to genetics or age-related changes that we can’t do much about. But can dietary supplements make a difference?