I can see her sitting across from me.
She’s reading her list of questions off the notes in her phone, ones she’s collected over the last few weeks.
“Is intermittent fasting a good idea for me?”
“Should I aim for 40 grams of protein in the morning?”
“I mix potato starch, collagen, athletic greens, and protein powder with spinach — should I add anything else to my smoothie?”
This “she” could be any of the highly intelligent, curious, and health-conscious women I often have the privilege to work with. They’re wanting to make sense of the overwhelming and abundant nutrition content they’re able access at any moment of the day.
Lately, there’s also another common conversation…it’s about GLP-1 drugs.
“Many of my friends are on weight loss injections,” one client shared. “They’re so happy they don’t have to think about food all the time.”
If you’re a woman, especially one in perimenopause, you’re likely bombarded with nutrition “information.” AND for some of us, this perfect storm of information and influencer induced fear you’re not getting it “right” can lead to what is called: food noise.
What Is Food Noise?
Food noise isn’t new. It’s been defined as “persistent, intrusive thoughts about food that can interfere with daily life, appetite regulation, and psychological well-being.”
It’s a mental pattern possibly shaped for years by dieting culture, health scares or new diagnoses, life transitions, and even experiences like food scarcity. And, might add: it’s never anyone’s fault - neither the conditioning or wiring.
This week’s recipe for free subscribers!
Sheet Pan Gnocchi: I usually pan-sear or sauté gnocchi, but this sheet pan method caught my eye. Everything roasts together for an easy, cozy Meatless Monday dinner.
This Noise is Not New
While the rise of GLP-1 medications has brought more attention to food noise, it isn’t new. Overthinking about what to eat isn’t new. Dieting isn’t new. For years, many of us have been caught in that on-again, off-again cycle of rules, restriction, and “starting over.” Diet culture teaches us that getting it right is the only way to be well. It’s so understandable that one might feel stuck in a mind that never stops thinking about food: what to eat, what not to eat, and whether they’ve done it “right” today.
