Is it "food noise" or hunger silencing?

Food Noise

is a a new way of describing constant thoughts and preoccupation with food. However, this phenomenon first came to light in the 1940's via the Minnesota Starvation Experiment when subjects surprised researchers by demonstrating the psychological effects of undereating. After undergoing a calorie deficit very reminiscent of today’s diets, these subjects would dream, fantasize, and talk about food in ways they never before had.

Hunger Silencing

is suppressing or denying hunger in attempt to eat less. This results in obsessive thoughts about food, aka “food noise.”

Common ways that hunger may be intentionally or unintentionally silenced include:

• certain medications

• filling up on nonnutritive foods/beverages that offer volume but lack nourishment: “air” foods, excess fiber, diet soda

• lifestyle factors such as a chaotic schedule leading to missed meals

• disconnection from hunger cues due to past dieting, disordered eating, or anything leading to poor interoceptive awareness (the ability to perceive sensations from within the body)

What to do?

You can start to honor your hunger by looking for signs that you are hungry. Common signs of hunger include:

• headache

• thirst

• low energy

• moodiness

• shakiness

• thoughts of food

• rumbling stomach

• low blood sugar

Regardless of how well you sense hunger now, you’ll likely improve your awareness by ensuring you’re eating regularly (every 3 to 5 hours) and avoiding some of the culprits of hunger silencing.

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