
Episode #123
Overcoming Food Addiction | EP 123
Food addiction and ultra-processed foods are increasingly recognized as complex issues influenced by the brain’s reward system, food formulation, and our modern food environment. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne Koehler talks with NTI graduate, Denise Vega, about the science and experience of food addiction. Rather than framing the issue simply as a matter of willpower, Denise and Dianne emphasize awareness, nutrient density, supportive strategies, and understanding the factors that can make certain foods particularly difficult to resist. About Denise: My mother got us started eating healthy using a book she had gotten from her mother, our grandmother. As I grew into adulthood, I became more interested in nutrition and explored a few workshops and classes before committing to some longer form certification programs. While I have been very healthy overall, my relationship with food wasn’t always healthy. I found myself having “food noise” (though there wasn’t a name for it back then) and also realized I was addicted to certain highly processed, highly palatable snack foods. Focusing on food addiction and weight management is a passion for me, and I would love to support those who struggle in these areas. I received my Nutrition Therapy Master certification from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in 2025. I also completed the T. Colin Campbell Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Program, the Stanford Nutrition Science Online short course, and Rouxbe’s online professional plant-based cooking course.In addition to my passion for good nutrition and health, I am a children’s book author and writing instructor/coach. I have experience teaching small and large workshops, speaking at conferences, and developing courses and workshops. Connect with Denise: Sprout Sisters info@sproutsisters.com Mentioned in this episode: Bring a Friend Back to School Sale! Refer a friend who enrolls and begins a course between August 17, 2026, and October 19, 2026 and both of you receive 50% off a course! Full details can be found here . **Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page . Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team. This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.






