Food Noise?

  What is food noise? Although a quick internet search will provide plenty of descriptions of Food Noise there is no standard definition.  

   Everyone experiences Food Noise. It’s important to note that thoughts related to food are completely normal. When hungry it is natural for us to seek out food, our food thoughts increase. When we are reducing our intake, say to lose weight, our body knows it and increases our thoughts of food even more. Stress can trigger urges to eat, in what may be commonly referred to as stress eating. Therefore stress can increase thoughts of food. Even just the sight or smell of food can increase our thoughts of food. Rules placed on food choices can also increase thoughts on eating. Food thoughts are not Food Noise. 

  People experience Food Noise differently. The actual thoughts, frequency and strength can vary. One common theme is that these thoughts are unwanted, persistent, intrusive and tend to cause some level of emotional distress. These thoughts can often lead to maladaptive or disordered eating behaviors.  

  If this is what you feel you are experiencing, first look at your eating pattens and choices. Maybe you created too much of a calorie deficit. Maybe you are focusing on foods you “should” eat rather than what you find satisfiying. Maybe there is too much time between meals and snacks. Practicing eating in an intuitive style may help reduce Food Noise. It is a skill to relearn and it takes time and practice if you are willing to invest in yourself.