Why Am I Always Thinking About Food?
Do you often find yourself thinking about food way more than you should? You’re not alone! Some of us are obsessed with food and we think about it constantly. Here are some potential reasons why we always have food on our minds:
Hormonal Imbalances
It’s possible that hormonal imbalances can cause us to crave certain foods. Low serotonin or high ghrelin levels can make us ravenous, slowly increasing our hunger till we feel like all we can think about is food!
Dieting Triggers
If you’ve been dieting, it’s likely that you’re constantly dreaming about all of the foods you can no longer have. Once a food is off limits, we tend to obsess over it even more – the forbidden fruit tastes all the sweeter.
Boredom
It’s true that when we’re bored, food is often our first thought – and not just because we’re hungry; it’s an activity that can give us an instant kick!
Nutritional Deficiencies
It’s possible that an imbalance in our diets can lead to intense cravings, especially for processed and sugary foods. If your body is missing essential nutrients, it’s likely to try and find them through cravings.
Depression or Stress
Feeling down can cause us to reach for junk food as a coping mechanism. Foods that are high in sugar or fat can act as a temporary escape, even if it’s detrimental in the long run.
How to Curb These Cravings
- Eat Regularly: Eating regular meals and snacks is key to keeping hunger levels constant. This will prevent us from becoming too hungry and dreaming of food.
- Increase Nut-rich Foods: Incorporating more nuts and seeds into our diet can help to reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks. They contain healthy fats and minerals which will help to bring balance back.
- Avoid Unnecessary Stressors: Find activities and techniques to help reduce stress triggers, such as deep breathing and yoga.
- Choose Healthy Alternatives: If your body is missing certain vitamins and minerals, choosing healthier alternatives instead of processed foods can help to fulfill those needs.
- Listen to Your Body: Being aware of your hunger levels, energy levels and overall nutrition can help to reduce cravings for foods that offer short-term satisfaction.
Food brings us joy and comfort, and in moderation, that’s totally normal. It just becomes a concern when we feel like we are constantly dreaming about food, and can’t seem to stop. If you feel like you’re in this predicament, addressing any underlying imbalances or deficiencies in our diets can be a great way to control these cravings.
3. Are there better ways I can deal with my relationship with food?
Yes, there are a few things that can help you create a healthier relationship with food.
1. Distinguish between physical hunger and emotional hunger – try to recognize when you are eating due to a physical response to hunger, or due to an emotional reaction. Try to find more productive ways to cope with those emotions, such as talking to a friend or doing something that relaxes you.
2. Create a mindful eating practice – try to be present when you eat, and pay attention to how the food looks, smells, tastes, and feels. This can help you appreciate the food you’re eating and slow down, preventing overeating.
3. Recognize the value of nutrition – rather than labeling certain foods as “good” and “bad,” focus on eating foods that are nutritionally dense. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet will give your body the nutrients it needs and help you make healthier choices.
4. Think of food as fuel – try to avoid using food as a way to reward, punish, or distract yourself. Consider it as fuel to help you stay energized and productive throughout the day.
These tips can help you create a healthier relationship with food and establish healthier eating habits!