Food Addiction Recovery is Possible; Treatment is Necessary
From Food Addiction, the Problem and the Solution by Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir
June 17, 2025 · 1h 9m
About this episode
The episode discusses the journey of recovery from food addiction, highlighting personal experiences and treatment methods.
Guests Amanda Leith SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn and Esther Helga Guðmundsdóttir, INFACT School both experienced the misery of obesity and countless failed diets—until they discovered their real problem: food addiction, a brain disease. Like many late-stage food addicts, they used food to cope with life, consuming far more food than their bodies needed. Once they recognized their addiction, they began abstinent food plans and recovery programs, shedding excess weight and doing the emotional work required to heal. Today, they live at healthy body weights and enjoy freedom from food addiction—one day at a time. Today, they devote their lives to helping others understand and recover from this illness.Food addiction is a substance use disorder involving ultra-processed foods, similar to alcohol or drug addiction. Amanda and Esther assess clients using food use history and tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Sugar—technically not a food but an additive—has over 260 names and is often hidden in products through deceptive labeling by food companies.Many of their clients have tried everything to control their food use and/or lose weight, often arriving desperate and willing to try…
People in this episode
Host: Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir
Guests: Amanda Leith, Esther Helga Guðmundsdóttir
Topics covered
- food addiction
- recovery
- obesity
- emotional health
- nutrition
Keywords
- food addiction
- recovery programs
- obesity
- emotional drivers
- whole foods
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn, INFACT School
Products: Yale Food Addiction Scale
More episodes of Food Addiction, the Problem and the Solution
- Beyond Willpower: How COR Retreat Helps People Heal from Food Addiction · May 26, 2026 · 55 min
- Why We Can’t Stop: The Truth About Ultra-Processed Food Addiction · April 14, 2026 · 1h 1m
- When the Doctor Is the Patient: Dr. Tro on Food Addiction and Healing · March 17, 2026 · 1h 3m
- Why 30–50% Don’t Respond: What We’re Missing in Eating Disorder Treatment · February 17, 2026 · 1h 2m
- Blending Science and Empathy to Help Food Addicts Recover · September 30, 2025 · 58 min
- Today I Have Peace and Neutrality Around Food · August 19, 2025 · 55 min
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