The Body Image Conversation Recovery Keeps Skipping
When someone enters treatment for a substance use disorder, the questions tend to follow a familiar script. What were you using? How much? How long? What’s your plan to stay stopped? Here’s a question that rarely makes the intake form: How do you feel about your body, and did that have anything to do with […]
Using Dimensional Over Categorical Thinking When It Comes to Eating Behaviors
Three recent papers I’ve been part of all circle the same idea from different angles: the people who struggle most with eating are often the ones who don’t fit the diagnostic boxes we’ve built for them. Here’s a recap of that work, and why I think the future of this field is dimensional rather than […]
Hibiscus Tea for Food Addiction Recovery: A Refreshing Alternative to Sweetened Beverages
If you’re working on food addiction recovery, you’ve probably noticed how challenging it can be to navigate the beverage landscape. Sweetened drinks—whether it’s soda, sweetened iced tea, energy drinks, or fancy coffee beverages—often trigger that dopamine-driven reward pathway that keeps us coming back for more. And yes, that includes “diet” beverages with artificial sweeteners. But […]
The Six Food Addiction “Camps”
After years of working in the nutrition field and straddling the worlds of eating disorder treatment and addiction recovery, I’ve observed a fascinating continuum of approaches to food addiction. As someone who’s spent over a decade trying to bridge these sometimes opposing philosophies, I’ve noticed six distinct camps that have emerged. Each has its merits, […]
Bridging the Divide: A Podcast Dialogue on Food Addiction in Eating Disorder Recovery
As a mental health nutritionist who has spent over a decade working with eating disorders while simultaneously researching ultra-processed food addiction, I recently participated in a thought-provoking dialogue on the EDeology Podcast. The conversation, hosted by Elka Cubacub, brought together Libby Supan (a therapist and certified Intuitive Eating counselor) and yours truly to explore one […]
Promising Results for Ultra-Processed Food Addiction Treatment: New 12-Month Study
I’m pleased to share groundbreaking research that significantly advances addressing ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA). As a researcher and clinician who has dedicated years to bridging the gap between eating disorder treatment and addiction frameworks, this new study holds particular significance for our field. The Research Breakthrough Our international research team recently published findings in Frontiers […]
Holiday Eating & Mental Health: Conversation with Dr. David Wiss
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. David Wiss, a mental health scientist and registered dietitian nutritionist. Together, we will explore the complex relationship between holiday eating, mental health, and addiction recovery. Dr. Wiss will share his personal journey from addiction to becoming a pioneer in nutrition and mental health and offer practical strategies […]
Can Culinary Medicine Improve Mental Health?
We understand the connection between nutrition and mental health at Nutrition in Recovery. However, a lack of energy and motivation, decision fatigue, and poor executive functioning can all make food preparation challenging for individuals struggling with their mental health. Culinary medicine is a form of hands-on nutrition education that shows promise in improving outcomes in […]
Nutritional Criminology: Understanding the Food-Behavior Connection
As we explore the emerging field of nutritional criminology, we uncover fascinating connections between diet, mental health, and antisocial behavior. This isn’t about excusing criminal behavior; it’s about understanding how nutrition might be an overlooked factor in prevention and rehabilitation. The Science Behind Behavior Biological Mechanisms The connection between nutrition and behavior operates through several […]
Wellness Farms to Treat Substance Use Disorders and Addictions
Can Wellness Farms Treat Substance Use Disorders? As a pioneering mental health nutritionist specializing in eating disorders and nutrition for addiction recovery, I’m frequently asked about the intersection of food and substance use disorders (SUDs). Recently, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on a proposed “wellness farm” concept for individuals struggling with addictions. […]
