Food noise anyone?

This blog is quite a bit different from my usual posts. Food is in everyone’s life and day as we eat because we need nutrition and food to survive, and we are just hungry, but some people eat because they are bored. Food noise is the term that describes someone who constantly thinks about food when they wake up and go to sleep. I will admit I have struggled with knowing the difference between being hungry or just bored, as once I eat, I won’t stop, and I never go for the healthy snack options I love rather I go for a bag of chips or candy. It is okay to eat when you are hungry but for me, it’s different, because not only do I eat unhealthy food, but it makes me feel sluggish leaving me feeling bad about myself after. Students struggle with food noise more than a normal person because most students face challenges such as academic stress, social pressures, personal doubts, and loneliness that result in a struggle with food. So, for this post, I will give you some ideas if you struggle like me to repress the food noise.

• Taking time to eat- This is something a lot of people do as they scarf down their food when they get it instead of taking their time to eat, which can leave you feeling dissatisfied after a meal which creates an urge to eat something shortly after. Stop eating so fast and slow down saver the food in front of you, be slow be present and enjoy the meal.

• Eating healthy options- This one can be harder especially when you are faced with the option to go get a snack with your meal points but if you can show restraint get something that won’t have you feeling bad about yourself. It’s okay to eat when you are hungry or even heck when you are bored sometimes but eating a snack vs a meal is the important part to distinguish.

• Avoiding skipping meals- I skip so many meals throughout the week, maybe you do too as you have class, you do not want to go find something to eat, or just don’t think you’re hungry at the time. You need to remind yourself that every meal is just as important even breakfast!

• Distraction- Do something that stops you from thinking about food which could be reading a book, going on a run, or playing board games with friends. Doing something enjoyable will help distract your mind from the activities which knocks out the food noise.

• Plan out your food intake- Meal prepping is beneficial as you’re on a schedule of what you eat leaving a slimmer chance of you going for the unhealthy option which you might regret later. Having an already planned meal creates a lesser chance of constantly having food noise because you already know what you will be eating as you might only think about food a couple of times throughout the day.

• Energize Mindfully- If you can’t tell the difference between needed energy or just wanting to eat you can do other things to boost your energy such as a short run, a walk, or even with some tea or coffee. Drinking instead of eating can trick your brain and turn off food noise.

• Self-Compassion- You need to know that it’s okay to have ups and downs when it comes to giving in to those thoughts of food. You are your biggest criticizer so lift yourself up like you would a friend! Everyone has bad days but don’t let that affect the rest of your week or even day because you deserve too much more than that.