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The Out of the Cave PodcastAuthor: Lisa Schlosberg
The Out of the Cave Podcast is a resource hosted by Lisa Schlosberg, LMSW, for all who struggle with emotional eating, stress eating, under-eating, overeating, mindless eating, and have a complicated relationship to food, eating, and body image. Language: en Genres: Alternative Health, Health & Fitness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Solo Series Chapter 6: Food, Eating, and the Addiction Model
Sunday, 18 January, 2026
In this episode of her solo series, Lisa examines addiction dynamics in food and eating, integrating neurobiology, trauma, and behavioral psychology with personal narrative. She distinguishes substance vs. behavior addictions and reframes the “food addiction” debate as a semantic distraction, emphasizing why behaviors become compulsive. The discussion links binge eating and self-harm through positive and negative reinforcement, underscores capitalist food industry influence, and advocates grief, radical acceptance, and surrender as foundations for change. A personal story traces undereating/overexercise, malnourishment, cognitive impairment, medical oversight, and eventual surrender from rigid weight control to health-centric practices, leading to weight stabilization and improved well-being.Topics Include:Addiction ModelFood and Eating BehaviorsGrief, Acceptance, and SurrenderDisordered Eating[1:08] Lisa begins by acknowledging her own perfectionistic impulse and the importance of taking "messy action" to overcome it, revisiting the topic of addiction from the previous episode to clarify her stance on food addiction. [4:03] Lisa argues that the debate over whether food addiction is real misses the point; the conversation should focus on understanding and effectively treating the issue, acknowledging that it is both similar to and different from other addictions. She presents the addiction model distinguishing between substance addictions (e.g., drugs) and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling). She explains that the relationship with food is unique because it involves both a substance (food) and a behavior (eating).[6:12] Lisa discusses how on the substance side, hyper-palatable, high-fat, high-sugar foods trigger a strong reward reaction (dopamine, serotonin) in the brain. On the behavior side, eating-related behaviors like overeating, undereating, and binging can become addictive. Lisa introduces Dr. Gabor Maté's definition of addiction. It shows that any behavior can provide temporary relief/pleasure and craving, but causes long-term negative consequences, with an inability to stop. This model applies to both overeating and undereating. Lisa clarifies she is not saying "food is a drug," but that "some people can use food like a drug" for emotional coping.[34:14] Lisa discusses radical acceptance of one's current reality as the first step toward transformation, which involves grieving the relationship with food one wishes they had.[51:43] Lisa shares a personal story about her weight loss journey. After losing about 80 pounds around December 2012, she experienced severe physical symptoms like lightheadedness, hair loss, and cognitive impairment due to malnourishment, even though multiple doctors offered no clear answers. Lisa’s personal research into the ACE study and the National Weight Control Registry revealed that both childhood trauma and the habits of successful dieters (low-calorie diet, daily exercise) were linked to her struggles.[1:00:20] Lisa’s big surrender moment when she chose to stop dieting, facing an unknown outcome, rather than continue a cycle she knew would lead to more weight gain. She stopped weighing herself, shifted her focus from weight-centric to health-centric goals, prioritized food quality over quantity, and incorporated practices like meditation. Surrender, though frightening and uncomfortable, is a crucial step.[1:19:46] Lisa closes this episode by sharing what topics are to come and inviting listeners to email her with any questions at lisaschlosberg@gmail.com. *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.LISA IS NOW ACCEPTING: One-on-One Clients!Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal PromptsLeave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form Email Lisa: lisa@lisaschlosberg.comOut of the Cave Merch - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials: Instagram Facebook YouTube
