58 | The Science of Cravings with Dr. Raphael Cuomo

Send us Fan MailWe’ve all felt the pull of chocolate after a stressful day or the urge to snack late at night, but what’s really happening in the brain when cravings hit?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Raphael Cuomo to break down the hidden biology of cravings. From dopamine and stress hormones to the role of childhood exposure and even the surprising link to cancer risk, we talked about how cravings shape our health. We also talk about neuroplasticity and the hopeful truth that our biology is adaptive and we can rewire the way we respond to cravings.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt frustrated with “willpower” advice, struggled with emotional eating, or wondered if cravings mean something deeper. If you want science-backed insights with practical takeaways, this one’s for you.🎗️ Timestamps:00:48 Intro & Guest’s Journey into Research04:39 What Cravings Really Are and What Shapes Them08:59 The Role of Anticipation in Cravings10:50 How Cravings Connect to Cancer Risk16:55 Why Resisting Cravings Can Backfire22:17 Sugar, Food & Drug Addiction: The Biological Comparisons25:23 How Childhood Exposure Shapes Lifelong Cravings29:09 Stress, Screens & the Modern Craving Loop37:27 Neuroplasticity: How Our Brains Adapt to Cravings46:54 Turning Craving Science Into Everyday Change📒 Resources Mentioned:👨🏻‍🔬 Get to know Dr. Raphael Cuomo 📖 Get a copy of his book: Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!