Food Noise Is Not One Size Fits All: How Much Is Too Much?

s food noise different for everyone?

I think there are plenty of similarities in the thoughts, feelings, and emotions we experience around food. But the frequency, intensity, and combination of those experiences are going to look different for each of us.

That is why I do not think we should paint food noise in absolutes.

There has been a growing idea that having thoughts or feelings around food automatically means something is wrong. I do not agree with that. Food is emotional. It can be tied to anticipation, enjoyment, memories, special occasions, routines, and even simple moments by yourself.

The bigger question is whether those thoughts and feelings are taking up more of your life than you are comfortable with.

In this episode, I talk about why food noise is an individualized experience, why completely eliminating thoughts around food may not need to be the long term goal, and why I completely understand wanting relief when food has been emotionally exhausting for years or even decades.

I also get into the conversation around GLP 1 medications and food noise. For many people, having the volume turned down can provide an incredible break from anxiety, guilt, shame, and constant thoughts about food. But I think we also have to be careful about reaching a point where any thought or feeling around food starts being viewed as something bad.

One question I think can help bring some clarity is this.

Would you be comfortable experiencing your current level of thoughts and emotions around food for the rest of your life?

That includes the difficult days and the really enjoyable ones.

If the answer is yes, you may not have a food noise problem at all.

If the answer is no, the next question becomes what level would feel acceptable to you?

The answer does not necessarily have to be zero.

Food can still be enjoyable. You can eat something simply because you want it. You can have positive experiences around food without needing to compensate for them, feel guilty about them, or search for proof that you did something wrong.

The goal is not to build the perfectly optimized relationship with food. It is to build something that works within your life, your preferences, and what you are actually willing and able to sustain.

Be patient with yourself as you figure that out.

Join the Your Level Fitness live streams to continue the conversation around food noise.

https://yourlevelfitness.com/stream