Managing diabetes involves many daily decisions, and food is one part of that. For some people, thoughts about eating can become constant or distracting. It may feel like food takes up a lot of space in your mind. This ongoing stream of thoughts is sometimes called “food noise.”
Food noise can show up in different ways. It might mean thinking about your next meal even while you’re eating, or having certain foods come to mind many times a day. Some people may also feel stress or worry about their eating habits. These thoughts can be tiring, especially when you’re living with a condition like diabetes, where food is often part of your care plan. None of this is a personal failure — it’s a common experience that many people share.
You may also hear the term “food peace.” Food peace means being able to make food choices without constant worry or pressure. It’s about feeling more relaxed around eating and trusting yourself to make decisions that support your health and well‑being. Food peace does not mean eating “perfectly” — it means having a calmer, more balanced relationship with food.
Some people who use medications like GLP‑1s have noticed that their food noise becomes quieter. These medications affect parts of the brain involved in hunger and fullness. More research is still needed to understand how to measure food noise and how to support people in reducing it, including through emotional, psychological, and environmental approaches.
Everyone deserves food peace, including people living with diabetes. Food is not just fuel — it connects to our culture, memories, and emotions. We all deserve to enjoy food without intrusive thoughts taking away from that experience.
If you find that food noise is affecting your daily life, consider talking with your healthcare team. They can help you explore tools and supports that build self‑compassion and help you move toward a more peaceful relationship with food.
About the author
Paige Alliston
Paige is a dietitian and PhD student with an interest in chronic disease management. Her PhD work focuses on testing knowledge mobilization strategies for people with diabetes using an online platform.
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