Why you can’t stop thinking about food.

Have you ever been lounging around the house and all of a sudden noticed that you have hundreds of racing thoughts about food? Maybe you’re thinking about what you have in the pantry? What you could quickly throw together from the fridge? Maybe you already ate but want to order delivery.

This is food noise and it’s unrelenting. Food noise is the constant intrusion of thoughts, preoccupations and recurring ruminations about food. Some describe it as the constant chatter in their mind.

Here are 4 reasons why this may be happening:

1) Not eating enough- oOur bodies are wired to signal hunger as a survival mechanism. When we ignore these signals, our brain will fixate on food.

2) Restricting- If you are restricting foods, your brain falls into a scarcity mentality. This means it believes that food is limited and since we are wired for survival, it places great emphasis and importance on food.

3) Judgment- If you are shaming and judging yourself while you eat then you are unconsciously telling yourself that this is bad and will not happen again.

4) Lack of coping skills- Maybe it was a rough day and you’re feeling anxious or having a hard time concentrating. Food can often serve as comfort or a distraction.

- Instead of asking: How do I stop thinking about food?

- Try Asking: Why am I constantly thinking about food?

Ways to reduce food noise:

1) Do not skip meals.

2) Make sure you are eating enough.

3) Identify triggers that increase food noise such as stress, anxiety, fear, etc.

4) Develop coping skills such as journaling, distress tolerance, mindfulness

5) Seek professional help when necessary.

Are hunger and thoughts about food are interfering with your daily life? Then let’s work together, reach out for a 15minute free consult.