In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Food Junkies, CJ sits down with her friend and colleague, Sharon Gregg, to explore Sharon’s deeply personal story of food addiction and recovery.

From childhood dreams of streets paved with chocolate to decades of yo-yo dieting and the relentless voice of sugar calling her name, Sharon’s story is one many will find achingly familiar. Sharon opens up about her early experiences with dieting, the cultural messages around food and body image she absorbed, and how her battle with sugar addiction intensified during menopause.

Listen as Sharon shares how a life-changing retreat helped her uncover the role of ultra-processed foods in her health struggles—and how understanding the science of addiction gave her the key to breaking free from the sugar cycle.

CJ and Sharon also dive into:

The challenges of overcoming sugar addiction in a world where moderation is idolized. How menopause became a turning point in Sharon’s search for wellness. The hidden emotional patterns behind food cravings, stress eating, and weekend “white-knuckling.” The grief and freedom of letting go of "drug foods" and the unexpected joys of recovery. Plus, Sharon shares her practical recovery tools—from mindful movement and community support to her love for throwing pots (yes, pottery!).

Whether you’re struggling with food yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a candid look at how food addiction impacts the mind, body, and spirit—and how healing is absolutely possible with the right support and self-compassion.

Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough."

If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at [email protected] 

Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email [email protected] 

If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.