Quieting Food Noise Whilst Fasting

If you’re trying to lose weight or clean up your diet, you face lots of challenges. 

Food noise is one of those challenges. 

What is food noise?

We’re not talking about the physical growling noise your tummy makes when you’re hungry. 

That’s ghrelin, the hunger hormone. 

We’re referring to the constant chatter about food that seems to surround you.

It comes in different forms, both internally and externally. 

For most of us, the food noise was always there, but we become much more aware of it when we start to make healthy changes in our diet. 

External Food Noise

Let’s face it, we are surrounded by food. 

Food ads are all over television, streaming channels, and social media. 

And unless you live in a very rural area, you can’t drive five feet without seeing a fast food outlet. 

Even if you manage to avoid all those food ads, people are always talking about food. 

Try for one day to really listen and watch people. 

You’ll be surprised (or maybe not) at how much our conversations revolve around food. 

And then there’s decisions we have to make every day.

What are we going to eat? What to cook? Eating out or eating in? It’s a lot. 

Although it’s probably impossible for most of us to get rid of all the external food noise, here’s a few tips to help:

Meal planning

If possible, plan meals out at least a few days at a time. 

Get the things you need from the grocery store in one stop. 

And prepare as much as you can ahead of time. 

Or decide ahead of time if you’re going to be eating dinner out or ordering in.

This way you don’t have to think about it every day. You just go with the plan. 

Go ad free

If you can’t limit your screen time, look into what options are available for eliminating ads.

Some of the streaming services have options for going ad free. 

It usually costs a little more, but at least you won’t have to watch all those food ads. 

Another big thing is don’t click on food ads! 

Social media algorithms are designed to dish you up (no pun intended) more of what you click on. 

So if you look at a food ad on social media, your timeline is going to be filled up with more food ads. 

And speaking of social media …

Choose your groups wisely

Many fasting and Keto groups are full of food mentions and food pictures. 

If you really want to limit the external food noise, find groups that don’t allow food talk. 

Internal Food Noise

Dealing with the outside food talk is one thing, but internal food noise can get a lot trickier. 

When we talk about internal food noise, we’re talking about the seemingly constant thoughts of food. 

This can come as food cravings, or just that nagging “voice” that’s always trying to talk you out of your goals. 

“You deserve this…” “One bite isn’t going to hurt …” “Are carbs really so bad?”

Sound familiar? 

Sometimes it’s not even “talk” that we can identify … it’s just a constant preoccupation with food. 

Always thinking about what our next meal is going to be. 

Here’s a few things that can help soften the internal food chatter:

Fasting 

If you’ve read our previous articles, it might sound like we think fasting is the answer to everything. 

That’s because it is! Only kidding (a little). 

But seriously, while it seems like fasting would have the opposite effect, it can really help quieten food noise. 

The first few days can be the hardest, and you will certainly have hunger and cravings.

But most people who fast consistently experience freedom from constant thoughts about food. 

Keto/Carnivore 

Refined carbohydrates will only make food noise worse. 

The more you eat, the more you will want, and the more your mind will talk to you about food. 

If you aren’t ready to switch to a Ketogenic diet, at least aim for whole foods. 

Keep your mind busy

If you’re busy thinking about other things, you won’t hear as much food noise. 

Find things to do that will keep you busy mentally. 

Things like creative hobbies or reading are great options. 

What about GLP-1 medications? 

One of the advertised perks of the popular GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide) medications is that they quieten food noise. 

And there is lots of anecdotal evidence that this is true. 

These are certainly options, and we are not going to tell you that you should not use them. 

But consider that fasting and Ketogenic diets increase GLP-1 levels naturally. Why not give 

those a try first? 

Please note: If you suspect that you may have an eating disorder, please check in with your doctor or mental care provider. 

Ssshhhh 

Quieting food noise will go a long way in helping you reach your weight loss goals. 

We hope that our tips will help you.