What is ‘food noise’ and how can you stop it?

Don’t rely on willpower

“Willpower is somewhat overrated,” says Mosley. “When we see food, we want it. So clear out your cupboards of addictive foods. Replace them with whole foods.”

That said, if you do occasionally have something that’s high in calories, like a chocolate bar, Mosley urges you to be kind to yourself. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Stop labelling food as good or bad

“Drop food restriction,” says Ord. “Moralising food and thoughts around food restriction are just as likely to trigger food noise as physical restriction. The brain becomes focused on what is off limits and perceives this as a threat.

“So, be mindful of the language you use around food and try to remove good or bad, healthy or unhealthy moralisations. Try to notice when you have thoughts like, ‘I shouldn’t eat that’ or ‘I’m not allowed snacks’. This all encourages restrictive eating and, in turn, food noise.”

Be mindful

“Practice a mindful pause whenever you notice food noise showing up and tune in to what you really need in that moment,” says Ord. “Is it food? Comfort? Entertainment? Social connection? A break? There are many different forms of nourishment.”

Mosley adds: “Stress drives food noise – it drives cravings and it drives overeating. So, find ways to relieve that stress without turning to food. It could be exercise, meditation, any hobby that you enjoy. This can make a big difference.”