Why You Can’t Stop Sugar Cravings—And How to Fix It (Neuroscientist Explains)

6 snips

Nov 5, 2025

Dr. Nicole Avena, a renowned neuroscientist and sugar addiction expert, shares her insights on why sugar cravings can feel uncontrollable. She explains how sugar lights up brain pathways similar to addictive drugs and discusses the impact of our modern food environment on these cravings. Listeners learn practical strategies to reduce sugar intake without deprivation, including the importance of a protein-rich breakfast. Avena also highlights the links between sugar consumption, mood regulation, and even long-term health risks like diabetes and dementia.

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INSIGHT

Sugar Triggers Drug-Like Brain Responses

Sugar releases dopamine in the brain similarly to drugs, producing drug-like brain responses.
Nicole Avena's research finds sugar acts more like a drug than a typical food when viewed neurochemically.

INSIGHT

Born To Prefer Sweet For Survival

Humans are born preferring sweet tastes because sweetness historically signaled safe, ripe foods.
Modern ubiquity of added sugars breaks that adaptive link and drives overconsumption.

ADVICE

Reduce Total Sweetness, Not Just Sugar Type

Cut down on overall sweetness instead of swapping sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Dial back how sweet everything is to reduce cravings and addiction-like responses.

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If you find yourself constantly craving sugary sweets and desserts—this episode is for you. There’s a reason this is happening (and it's not entirely your fault!) and there are ways to stop your cravings—in the moment and for the long term.

I sit down with Dr. Nicole Avena, a neuroscientist and a Princeton and Mount Sinai professor, and one of the world’s leading researchers on sugar addiction, to uncover what sugar is really doing to your brain.

We dive deep into the biology of cravings and how the modern food environment is designed to keep you hooked. You’ll learn why “natural” sweeteners might not actually be the solution, and the small changes that work to reduce your sugar intake without going cold turkey.

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how sugar impacts your mental and physical health—and the science-backed tools to curb your sweet tooth.

🎧What you’ll learn:

Why sugar lights up the same brain pathways as addictive drugs
How social media and screen time are increasing your cravings
The science of dopamine tone—and how to reset it naturally
How to spot hidden sugars in “healthy” foods and labels
The step-by-step plan to reduce sugar without feeling deprived

👇Reflect or share: What’s one craving you experience regularly—and how do you think your environment is shaping it? Comment below—I’d love to hear your story!

✨Homework: Swap one sweet breakfast for a savory one this week, and try one tech-free morning. Then notice: How do your energy, focus, and cravings shift?

For more from Dr. Nicole Avena:

Her Books
Her Website
Her Instagram

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Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.

This podcast and website represent the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

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