Welcome to Real Food Recovery, a podcast created by two lifelong processed food addicts with over 100 years of addiction (and recovery) between them. Paige Alexander and Jamie Morgan Reno use their Real Food Recovery podcast and social media channels to share their struggles, lessons learned, tools, tips, and resources that freed them from decades of food addiction, obsession, and loss.

In this episode, we're going to explore the science of how our thoughts influence our cravings and recovery. Let's start with the neuroscience. Cravings aren't just random. When we consume ultra-processed foods regularly, our brain's reward system—especially the dopamine pathways—gets hijacked. That means our cravings are embedded in our neural circuitry. Which means, it's not just about food being tasty—it's about how ultra-processed foods bypass normal satiety signals and create unnatural pleasure spikes.

In every Real Food Recovery episode, Paige and Jamie take time to answer viewer questions about processed food addiction, obsession, and recovery. Be sure to submit yours on their YouTube Channel or Facebook Page. You can also follow Real Food Recovery on Instagram (@realfoodrecovery4u), TikTok (@realfoodrecovery), or at www.realfoodrecovery4u.com.