Episode 256: Dr. Erica LaFata - Diagnosing Ultra-Processed Food Addiction with FASI
Food Junkies Podcast
On this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Erica LaFata to dive into her groundbreaking work developing the Food Addiction Severity Interview (FASI) — a clinician-administered diagnostic tool modeled after the SCID alcohol use disorder module and adapted for ultra-processed foods. Building on self-report tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and mYFAS, Erica explains why the field urgently needs a structured clinical interview to validate ultra-processed food addiction as a distinct psychiatric presentation and move toward formal recognition in the DSM....
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Episode 255: Challenging the Naysayers with Dr. Nicole Avena
Food Junkies Podcast
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...
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Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 30: Ashley Elizabeth
Food Junkies Podcast
C J shares a moving conversation with Ashley Elizabeth, a woman whose honesty and courage shine through her recovery journey. Ashley is remarkably open about her experience with food addiction and the lifelong impact of being put on a diet at a very young age. Like so many, she spent years trapped in the cycle of obsession, shame, and the constant search for control, returning to foods she didn’t even like just to get her fix. When Ashley first entered a 12-step program, she approached her food plan like another diet, and for a while, it worked. But true transformation came when she embraced...
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Episode 254: Dr. Paul O'Malley
Food Junkies Podcast
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...
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Episode 253: Clinician's Corner - From Rules to Guardrails: Rewriting the Manual for Recovery
Food Junkies Podcast
Molly and Clarissa get real about the spoken and unspoken “rules” we inherit—from family, culture, religion, peers, and recovery spaces—and how those rules can quietly run our lives. They explore when structure is protective (especially early recovery) and when rigidity shrinks our world. The invitation: notice the rule, name whose voice it is, examine its intention, and rewrite it as a flexible, values-aligned boundary (a loving guardrail) that serves your recovery today. What we cover Invisible operating systems: How covert rules (“Don’t cry in public,” “Finish your plate,”...
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Episode 252: Dr. Cate Shanahan - Are Seed Oils as Bad as Sugar?
Food Junkies Podcast
Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Cate Shanahan, family physician, nutrition consultant, and author of Deep Nutrition and Dark Calories, to discuss her case against industrial seed oils, how they may influence metabolic and mental health, and why she believes they can intensify sugar cravings and insulin resistance. We explore mechanisms she proposes (oxidation, mitochondrial stress), the “Hateful Eight” oils, and practical swaps that listeners can try if they choose to reduce seed oils. This episode presents a viewpoint that’s debated in nutrition science; we encourage critical...
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Episode 251: Daniel Trevor - Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their Grip
Food Junkies Podcast
Host Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Daniel Trevor—entrepreneur-turned “citizen scientist” and author of Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their Grip. After a near-fatal heart attack, Daniel dove into medical literature, clinician interviews, and self-tracking. He shares the arguments behind his book, why he believes hyperinsulinemia is a “gateway disease,” how diet patterns may influence cardiometabolic risk and cravings, and the testing he advocates so people can “don’t guess—test.” We also discuss controversy in...
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Episode 250: Ellen Bennett, RD, PhD (Candidate)
Food Junkies Podcast
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...
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Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 29: Kat
Food Junkies Podcast
CJ welcomes Kat to the podcast! Kat’s story is one of courage, honesty, and deep resilience. Having carried the heavy weight of trauma and the challenges of living with morbid obesity, she brings with her a fighter’s spirit and a bubbly energy that shines through every word. Kat is refreshingly open about her struggles, and her willingness to share is matched only by her desire to lift up the next person walking a similar path. Today, we get to hear not only about her battles, but about her remarkable strength and the hope she brings to others. Feel free to join our supportive community on...
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Episode 249: Clinician's Corner - Understanding the Fawn Response
Food Junkies Podcast
In this episode, Molly Painschab and Clarissa Kennedy reconnect after three transformative weeks together—first in London for the International Food Addiction and Comorbidities Conference, then exploring the magic of Scotland. From castles and waterfalls to ancient standing stones, they share the joy of work, play, and community in recovery. But the heart of today’s conversation is the fawn response—a trauma survival strategy often misunderstood as “people pleasing.” Drawing on their own stories and professional experiences, Molly and Clarissa explore how fawning develops, why it...
info_outlineIn this episode, Vera and Renae explore bulimorexia—a term used for people who oscillate between restriction and binge/purge behaviors—and how this mixed pattern might help explain stubborn relapse rates across eating disorders and food addiction. Dr. Norton shares her clinical lens on risks (medical and psychological), why some traditional programs may miss the mark, and what a holistic, skills-based, harm-reduction treatment can look like (family involvement, gentle re-feeding, DBT/EMDR, food quality, and relapse prevention).
Note: Some views expressed are the guest’s opinions and experience. This episode is educational and not medical advice. Please consult your care team.
What we cover
Defining “bulimorexia”: alternating restriction with binge/purge; how it differs from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; why it’s easier to hide than classic anorexia.
Continuum vs. categories: where binge eating disorder fits; overlap with food addiction.
Why relapse is common: risks of aggressive refeeding; short-stay residential models; lack of individualized care; missing family systems support.
Medical risks (high-level): cardiac arrhythmias and hypotension, esophageal tears/GERD, laxative misuse and constipation, electrolyte disturbance, kidney strain, dental/enamel erosion, parotid swelling, menstrual disruption and fertility concerns.
Psychological load: anxiety/OCD traits, depression, social avoidance; the “addiction to restricting” and the short-term ‘high’ of hunger.
Treatment principles Dr. Norton uses:
Gentle, stepwise re-feeding (small, frequent meals; stabilize blood sugar; avoid triggering extremes).
Skills over meal plans (shop, prep, and eat whole foods; mindful interoception).
DBT for arousal regulation, plus EMDR and trauma work as indicated.
Family-based involvement (Maudsley-style boundaries and support).
Movement re-entry: slow, safe progression; curbing compulsive exercise.
Relapse prevention: strong parent/caregiver alignment, food routines, anxiety skills, and ongoing monitoring.
Contested terrain: ultra-processed food, additives, and differing regulations by region; the guest’s emphasis on “clean/organic” sourcing.
Intermittent fasting cautions: for restrict-prone folks, it can mask restriction; prefer regular, structured eating.
What recovery can look like: decreased self-hatred, restored relationships, school/work re-engagement, and more flexible functioning.
Resources from the guest: forthcoming book Below the Radar: What They’re Not Telling You About Your Food; wellness tools she finds helpful.
Suggested chapter markers
00:00 Welcome & guest intro
02:20 What is “bulimorexia”? How it differs from AN/BN
10:55 Why relapse stays high; critique of standard programs
18:30 Medical complications: heart, GI, dental, endocrine
28:15 Psychological patterns: anxiety, OCD traits, depression
34:40 Treatment pillars: re-feeding, DBT/EMDR, family work
45:05 Food quality and UPFs: guest’s perspective & debate
53:10 Intermittent fasting cautions; safe movement
58:20 Relapse prevention & outcomes
1:04:10 Advice to clinicians, families, and society
1:08:00 What’s next for Dr. Norton & closing
Key takeaways (listener-friendly)
Mixed patterns (restricting and binge/purge) may be under-recognized and can carry high medical risk.
Slow, individualized re-feeding plus emotion-regulation skills (DBT) and family involvement improve safety and engagement.
If you’re prone to restriction, consistent meals beat fasting.
Recovery gains include less self-hatred, more connection, and functional life goals—progress over perfection.
Sensitive content note
This episode discusses eating-disorder behaviors (restriction, purging, laxatives, insulin manipulation) and medical complications. Please use discretion and support.
Links & mentions
Dr. Renae Norton — Norton Wellness Institute / Mind, Weight & Wellness Pro
Book (forthcoming): Below the Radar: What They’re Not Telling You About Your Food
Maudsley/Family-Based Treatment (FBT) overview
DBT skills resources (distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness)
If you need help now: NEDA (US), BEAT (UK), local crisis lines, or your clinician.
For clinicians
Screen for mixed presentations (restrict + purge), including non-vomit purging (laxatives, insulin manipulation).
Prioritize medical monitoring (vitals, electrolytes) during re-feeding; avoid one-size-fits-all calorie jumps.
Integrate DBT skills, caregiver coaching, and regular eating structure; track arousal and urge patterns.
The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcareprovider'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.