Why you can't stop eating: The science of cravings, food addiction and 5 ways to regain control | Michael Pollan & Prof Tim Spector

About this episode

The episode discusses the science behind cravings and food addiction, featuring insights from Michael Pollan and Prof Tim Spector on how modern food influences our eating habits.

If you feel like you can’t stop eating, constantly crave junk food, or struggle with overeating, this episode will change how you see food. Michael Pollan, one of the world's most influential science writers, joins Professor Tim Spector to explain how ultra-processed food may drive food addiction, override fullness signals, and keep us craving more. Together, they explore why foods high in sugar, salt, and fat can feel so hard to resist, and what we can do to fight back. Michael and Tim unpack how the modern food system changed over the last 50 years, and why many ultra-processed foods are designed around “craveability.” They explain how these foods may stimulate the brain’s reward systems, why fibre and plants help us feel fuller, and why cooking more meals at home may help reduce overeating without calorie counting. The episode includes practical ways to regain control of your eating habits, reduce cravings, feel better and live more healthy years. If your cravings feel impossible to control, is it really a lack of willpower, or is modern food engineered to keep us coming back for more? 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 Get our brand-new app and…

People in this episode

Guests: Michael Pollan, Prof Tim Spector

Topics covered

• food addiction
• cravings
• ultra-processed food
• nutrition
• healthy eating habits

Keywords

• cravings
• food addiction
• ultra-processed food
• nutrition
• healthy eating

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ZOE

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