5 Myths About Hunger That Make Food Noise Worse
If you’ve ever felt like food is constantly on your mind, you’re not alone. That persistent chatter of thinking about what to eat, when to eat, or how much you "should" eat is often called food noise. And one of the most overlooked culprits behind food noise? Misunderstood hunger.
Here are five common myths about hunger that may actually be making your food noise louder:
Myth 1: Hunger is a sign of weakness or lack of willpower
We live in a culture that often treats hunger like a problem that needs to be fixed through suppression. From "willpower" praise to the popularity of appetite suppressants, it’s no wonder people feel guilty for being hungry. But hunger is not a moral failure—it’s a biological cue. Ignoring it doesn’t make you disciplined; it just makes your body louder in its attempts to be heard.
Ever wonder why your cravings are so loud? Then keep reading…
Myth 2: If you're hungry soon after eating, something is wrong
There are so many reasons hunger can show up shortly after a meal: your meal might not have included enough protein or fat, your blood sugar might be dipping, or your body simply needed more than you thought. Instead of assuming you're doing something wrong, try seeing your hunger as feedback.
Myth 3: You should only eat at certain times
Rigid food rules like “no eating after 7 PM” disconnect us from our body’s natural cues. Hunger isn’t scheduled, and trying to eat only during designated times often results in overthinking food and then the binge when rules are inevitably broken. Listening to hunger cues builds trust, not chaos.
Myth 4: You can 'train' your body to need less food
What often looks like "training" is actually underfeeding. The body doesn’t magically require less food over time; it adapts to survive. That adaptation usually comes with side effects: low energy, mood swings, and yes—even more food noise. Your brain stays preoccupied with food when your body isn’t getting what it needs.
Myth 5: Cravings aren't real hunger
Cravings are often painted as indulgent or frivolous, but they can be a form of hunger, too. Emotional hunger, sensory hunger, and the need for pleasure in eating are all valid. When we dismiss cravings, we’re more likely to overeat or feel guilt afterward—both of which can intensify food noise.
If you're struggling with food noise, it might not be that your hunger is the problem. It might be that your beliefs about hunger are getting in the way of hearing it clearly. When you start to challenge these myths, you create space for more calm, clarity, and connection with your body—and less mental chaos around food.
Want support learning how to trust your hunger again?
