Dr. Nicole Avena

Dr. Nicole Avena Dr. Nicole Avena is a research neuroscientist/psychologist and author studying food addiction, obesity and eating disorders. http://www.DrNicoleAvena.com
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Her new book, Why Diets Fail, will be released by Ten Speed/Crown later this year.

The dopamine aisle is real, and my new article in Psychology Today breaks down why certain ultra‑processed foods are eng...
20/03/2026

The dopamine aisle is real, and my new article in Psychology Today breaks down why certain ultra‑processed foods are engineered to keep us coming back for more.

It explores how modern food design taps directly into our reward pathways, shaping cravings in ways we rarely notice. It’s a fascinating look at how the supermarket environment influences our choices far beyond taste alone.

Be sure to check out the full article for more details. The link is available in here (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/food-junkie/202602/the-dopamine-aisle-of-the-supermarket) and on my Psychology Today blog, Food Ju**ie!

This Frozen Yogurt Bark with Nuts & Berries recipe is a quick, nutrient‑dense snack that brings together protein‑rich yo...
17/03/2026

This Frozen Yogurt Bark with Nuts & Berries recipe is a quick, nutrient‑dense snack that brings together protein‑rich yogurt, fiber‑packed berries, and heart‑healthy nuts.

I love this recipe because it is simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect to keep in the freezer for grab‑and‑go moments.

Swipe to the left for step-by-step instructions, and let me know if you try it out for yourself!

I was recently featured in an EatingWell article unpacking why weight loss is so much more complex than “eat less, move ...
13/03/2026

I was recently featured in an EatingWell article unpacking why weight loss is so much more complex than “eat less, move more.”

I loved contributing to a piece that brings more compassion and science into the conversation.

Give it a read if you want a clearer, kinder understanding of what your body is actually doing according to science. It can be found at the link here: https://www.eatingwell.com/why-its-hard-to-lose-weight-11912982.

A lot of people think overeating is just about willpower, but that’s not how it really works. Our cravings are shaped by...
09/03/2026

A lot of people think overeating is just about willpower, but that’s not how it really works. Our cravings are shaped by our brains, our hormones, and the habits we’ve built over time.

In this article by from Women’s World, I talk about how understanding your appetite type can help you make sense of why you eat the way you do. When you know what’s driving your hunger, it becomes much easier to respond in a way that feels supportive instead of frustrating.

If you’ve ever felt confused by your cravings or stuck in the cycle of overeating, this is a great place to start. The link to the article is available here: https://www.womansworld.com/weight-loss/nutrition/learn-how-to-stop-overeating-by-identifying-your-appetite-type

06/03/2026

Food deserts leave many communities without reliable access to grocery stores, fresh produce, or affordable whole foods.

When the closest options are convenience stores and fast‑food chains, people are often pushed toward ultra‑processed foods simply because that’s what’s available.

Addressing food access isn’t about individual choice—it’s about ensuring every community has the resources to nourish themselves with dignity.

This clip was edited from my feature on the Dang! Podcast with & .

We hear “eat less sugar” all the time, but the newest U.S. Dietary Guidelines are finally being clearer about what that ...
03/03/2026

We hear “eat less sugar” all the time, but the newest U.S. Dietary Guidelines are finally being clearer about what that really means for everyday eating.

In one of my recent Psychology Today posts, I discuss what the newest guidelines are saying about added sugar, how much most of us are really consuming, and why it can add up faster than you think. Sugar can show up in a lot of our everyday foods, even ones we don’t usually think of as “sweet.”

Cutting back on sugar isn’t about cutting everything out or being 100% perfect all of the time, it’s about understanding what is going on so you can make informed choices that feel a bit more intentional.

Check out the article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/food-junkie/202602/the-new-us-dietary-guidelines-stand-on-added-sugar.

Struggling with sugar cravings? 🍬 Join us for Sugar Addiction: Science, Strategies & Solutions, an enlightening conversa...
26/02/2026

Struggling with sugar cravings? 🍬 Join us for Sugar Addiction: Science, Strategies & Solutions, an enlightening conversation on the neuroscience behind sugar addiction and practical, evidence-based strategies for lasting change.

When? Wednesday, March 4, 2026
What time? 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Take the first step toward feeling more in control and confident in your choices.

Register now via the link here or scan the QR code! https://forms.gle/uLwwUPqKTYZfQk916.

The recordings from IFACC 2025 are now available for purchase! All proceeds from the recordings will go towards supporti...
23/02/2026

The recordings from IFACC 2025 are now available for purchase!

All proceeds from the recordings will go towards supporting a charity that focuses on food addiction advocacy and research!

If you’re interested in purchasing my fall from IFACC 2025 or the talks of other speakers, check out the link here: https://www.the-chc.org/fas/conference.

Did you know that wine headaches aren’t limited to people with migraines? Anyone can experience them!Wine headaches are ...
16/02/2026

Did you know that wine headaches aren’t limited to people with migraines? Anyone can experience them!

Wine headaches are commonly triggered by dehydration, tannins, and certain wine compounds like histamines, sulfites, and quercetin, which can affect blood vessels or alcohol metabolism.

Choosing wines that are low in tannins, histamines, sulfites, and sugar, such as organic or minimally processed options, may help reduce the risk of getting a headache.

If you’re interested in learning more about wine and the types that are less likely to cause a headache, check out the article I was featured in with EveryDay Health. You can view it here: https://www.everydayhealth.com/headache/types-of-wines-that-dont-cause-headaches/.

12/02/2026

In case you didn’t know, your brain doesn’t necessarily detect alternative sweeteners differently than actual sugar.

Although sugar alternatives like monk fruit and stevia differ from sugar in their calorie content, the brain primarily registers their intense sweetness, which can be harmful for individuals struggling with sugar addiction.

The bottom line is: The sweet taste is what is driving the addiction-like response. Staying away from sugar alternatives is going to be the best bet for someone in this situation.

This clip was edited from my podcast feature on the Uncover Your Eyes Podcast with .meenalagarwal!

I am excited to share my latest publication in the Journal of Pharmacological Research alongside my colleagues. The topi...
08/02/2026

I am excited to share my latest publication in the Journal of Pharmacological Research alongside my colleagues.

The topic of this publication is “The addiction brain: How processed foods hijack reward pathways.”

If you’re interested in reading the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41525853/.

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