In episode 29 of Fit Mama Real Food Radio, I speak with Dr. Glenn Livingston, Ph.D., about the psychology of eating and the science of food addiction. He shares an approach that helps people create a practical pause in their eating behaviors, allowing them to interrupt binge patterns and regain control over food choices.
Fit Mama Real Food Radio is a weekly podcast where I share insights, education, and inspiration for living a healthier, happier life. I cover topics on food, fitness, motherhood, and mindset.
The psychology of eating and food addiction with Dr. Glenn Livingston
In Episode 29, Dr. Glenn Livingston joins the show to describe his Never Binge Again method and the psychological techniques he uses to interrupt compulsive eating. We discuss how certain foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable, how marketing amplifies cravings, and why some individuals are more vulnerable to losing control around these foods. Dr. Livingston explains how a clear, repeatable behavioral strategy can create a reliable “pause button” so people can stop binge cycles and rebuild a healthier relationship with food.
Topics covered:
- Dr. Livingston’s path to developing the Never Binge Again method and how it helped him personally
- Practical steps to halt binge episodes the moment they begin
- How hyper-palatable and processed foods interact with brain chemistry to drive overeating
- The role of marketing and product design in promoting addictive eating behaviors
- Why personality and emotional patterns matter when designing an individualized food strategy
- The difference between intuitive eating and structured food rules, and how people can find balance
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Find Dr. Glenn Livingston online: website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
- Free downloadable version of Never Binge Again
- Books discussed: Never Binge Again (print), Rational Recovery, and The Cheese Trap
Throughout the conversation, we emphasize practical, science-informed tools rather than quick fixes. Dr. Livingston’s approach does not rely on shame or vague motivational advice; instead, it focuses on simple, repeatable behaviors that create a predictable outcome. For many people, the clarity of a step-by-step method provides relief from the anxiety and confusion that so often accompany cycles of overeating.
We also explore how societal forces—advertising strategies and engineered hyper-palatable foods—make self-regulation more difficult. Understanding that these products are designed to capture attention and stimulate reward pathways in the brain helps people separate personal responsibility from the external pressures that push us toward overconsumption. This perspective allows for compassion while maintaining accountability through actionable changes.
Personality and individual differences are a core part of the discussion. Some people respond well to flexible, intuitive approaches, while others benefit from clearer rules and boundaries. Dr. Livingston explains how his method adapts to different temperaments so that the solution fits the person, not the other way around. The episode offers practical guidance for listeners who want to stop bingeing, reduce cravings, or simply make more intentional food choices without feeling deprived.
If you’re curious about the mechanics of food addiction, the role of food design and marketing, or realistic ways to interrupt compulsive eating, this episode provides a thoughtful, humane, and evidence-informed conversation. Whether you’re dealing with binge behaviors yourself, supporting someone who is, or working in health and wellness, you’ll find useful ideas to apply right away.
Do you practice intuitive eating, follow a set of food rules, or something in between? I’d love to hear your experiences.
Heather