How to Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Neuroscience of Cravings & Recovery with Dr. Claire Wilcox

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Claire Wilcox—board-certified psychiatrist, addiction specialist, and author of Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain—to explore the neuroscience of food addiction and how to break free from cravings and compulsive eating patterns with compassion and clarity.Here’s what we cover in the episode:• Why food addiction isn’t just about sugar—and how even unpalatable foods can create addictive patterns • The neurobiology of volume addiction and what happens in the brain when we eat large quantities of food • How perfectionism, people-pleasing, and social pressure can sabotage sustainable recovery • The role of harm reduction, and why abstinence from trigger foods doesn’t have to mean “all or nothing” • Practical, science-based strategies for managing cravings and rebuilding a healthy relationship with foodClaire combines cutting-edge neuroscience with real-world insight, making this a must-watch for anyone navigating recovery, supporting others, or seeking a deeper understanding of food addiction.00:00 – Intro01:59 – Why Claire wrote Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain03:16 – Collaborating with the Food Junkies podcast team05:22 – Recovery goals beyond weight loss07:23 – How recovery reduces anxiety, cravings, and emotional instability08:57 – What is volume addiction? The science behind it11:56 – "Harm reduction with an end goal of abstinence" - what does this mean?16:51 – Perfectionism in food addiction and recovery17:56 – Flexibility, forgiveness, and slips without shame19:33 – Understanding cravings through cue reactivity, emotion regulation, and impulse control22:16 – Practical prevention strategies to reduce cravings24:51 – Honoring your own bio-rhythms26:43 – Social pressure, people-pleasing, and protecting your recovery28:18 – Where to find Dr. Claire Wilcox and her book-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🗣️Follow and connect with Claire Wilcox: https://www.wilcoxmd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/wilcox.claire/Get her new book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dEPU3qp-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.