I Think About Food All the Time — Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

Enjoying cooking shows, planning weekly meals, and scrolling through your social media feed keep food at the forefront of most minds, but obsessing over food is different. 

If you’re always thinking about eating like an alcoholic thinks about their next drink, it’s time to explore the reasons. 

For some, constant thoughts about food might indicate an eating disorder, but not always. Babatunde Ogundipe, MD, and the team at Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, which serves Aurora and Chicago, Illinois, and Las Vegas, Nevada, explain what it means to constantly think about food and how we can help.

Does constantly thinking about food mean I have an eating disorder?

Not necessarily. Thinking about food isn’t inherently harmful, but when it interferes with your mental health, relationships, or ability to function normally, it warrants attention. Common eating disorders tied to intense focus on food include the following:

Anorexia nervosa

This involves a severe restriction of calories due to a fear of weight gain, often accompanied by obsessive thoughts about food and body image.

Bulimia nervosa

People with this condition alternate between binge-eating and compensating with behaviors like purging or excessive exercise.

Binge-eating disorder (BED)

Regularly consuming large amounts of food in a short span, coupled with a sense of loss of control, is a hallmark of BED.

Orthorexia

Orthorexia is a lesser-known disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating “clean” or “healthy” foods.

The team at Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy can perform comprehensive evaluations to help differentiate between normal eating patterns and disordered eating behaviors.

Why do I think about food constantly?

Several physical, psychological, and emotional factors could explain why food feels like an all-encompassing thought in your life. Some of the most common reasons include:

Nutritional deficiency

If your body isn’t receiving the right nutrients, it might continually focus on finding food to compensate for those deficiencies.

Psychological triggers

Emotional challenges or mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, can lead to obsessive thoughts about food, often as a way to cope or distract from hardships.

Dieting mindset or food rules

Feeling restricted by self-imposed eating rules can make you more likely to obsess over the foods you “can’t” have. This is especially common in highly restrictive diets.

Trauma or past experiences

Unresolved trauma or past experiences related to food, body image, or control can lead to hyperfocus on eating or dieting as a form of reclaiming control.

Understanding the root cause is vital, and we can help.

How can I curb my appetite and change my thoughts?

If constant thoughts about food interfere with your life, we encourage you to approach the problem in a healthy, balanced way. Here are steps to start addressing your thoughts and behaviors:

1. Build consistent eating habits

Ensure you’re eating regular, well-balanced meals packed with essential nutrients. Eating every 3-4 hours can regulate your hunger and decrease obsessive thoughts caused by extreme hunger or deprivation.

2. Remove ‘good’ vs. ‘bad’ labels

Labeling certain foods as “bad” often fuels guilt and obsessive thinking. Learn to normalize all foods within reason. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you develop a balanced framework.

3. Practice stress management

Since stress is a significant trigger for recurring food thoughts, try yoga, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress’ impact on your mental state.

4. Journaling for self-reflection

Track when and why you think about food. Are there emotions, activities, or times of day that seem to drive obsessive thoughts? Journaling can give you insights into potential triggers.

5. Balance physical activity

An exercise routine can boost your mental clarity. Avoid overexercising, though, as it can reinforce obsessive thoughts surrounding food and weight.

Note: These tips work best as general guidelines. If you feel you’re still struggling, call us.

Can therapy help control obsessive thoughts about food?

Yes, therapy is highly effective in addressing excessive thoughts about food, body image, or disordered eating patterns. We specialize in treatment approaches for people who struggle with eating-related mental health concerns. Here are some of our therapies:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and challenge disruptive thought patterns. It teaches you to reframe negative emotions surrounding food and eating habits.
• Group therapy, where you share experiences with others struggling with similar issues, gives you emotional support. It’s a safe environment that fosters connection and accountability.
• Medication management (if necessary) helps you understand and organize your prescriptions.

Whether you’re questioning your eating habits or searching for help, we’re here to assist. Call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy or book a consultation online today.