Many dancers say they feel “addicted” to food—especially sweets or snack foods. But is food addiction actually real, or is it a misunderstanding of how restriction impacts the brain and body? In this episode, Rachel Fine explores the science behind food addiction, why the research is controversial, and how dancers can reframe feelings of being “out of control” around food.

You’ll learn:

✅ What food addiction really means—and why it’s so hard to define

✅ Why restrictive eating often feels like “addiction” in disguise

✅ How dopamine and brain reward pathways actually work with food

✅ The role of diet culture and food scarcity in fueling food obsession

✅ Practical steps dancers can take to build a supportive relationship with food

📅 Perfect for: dancers who feel “addicted” to sugar or junk food, struggle with binge–restrict cycles, or want clarity on the science behind food cravings.

📖 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/how-to-beat-food-addiction/

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Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)

0:00 – Struggles With Food Obsession
Rachel shares her past experiences of constantly thinking about food.

0:46 – Feeling Out of Control Around Sweets
Why desserts once felt impossible to trust herself around.

1:10 – Is Food Addiction Real?
Introducing the controversial debate around sugar and food addiction.

1:35 – Welcome & Introduction
Rachel introduces herself and her mission to support dancers.

2:16 – Why Food and Sugar Addiction Is Controversial
Breaking down the confusion and myths around the topic.

3:06 – Defining Health Beyond Food
Why “healthy” looks different for every dancer.

4:20 – Why Dancers Struggle With Food Obsession
Performance pressure and underfueling as key drivers.

5:48 – Lessons From the Minnesota Starvation Experiment
How restriction leads to cravings, obsessions, and all-or-nothing eating.

7:02 – Identifying Food Obsessions in Daily Life
Questions to ask yourself about how much food is consuming your thoughts.

8:05 – The Role of Restrictive Eating & Clean Eating
How dieting, busy schedules, and orthorexia fuel food obsession.

9:36 – When Does It Cross Into Addiction?
Understanding what “addiction” really means in relation to food.

10:30 – What the Research Actually Shows
Why current food and sugar addiction studies are inconclusive.

12:50 – The Problem With Animal Studies
Why rat studies on sugar addiction don’t reflect human behavior.

14:05 – Dopamine, Reward, and Why Food Feels Good
Explaining neural pathways and why eating is meant to be rewarding.

16:13 – Key Takeaways & Practical Tools
Restriction drives obsession, and tools like food neutrality, unconditional permission, and habituation can help dancers rebuild trust with food.

Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.