Let’s face it, the modern food world is a cacophony of conflicting advice, tempting trends, and enough Instagram-worthy dishes to make your head spin. It’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed by what to eat, stuck in a cycle of indecision and frustration.

But more than that, my brain has it’s own internal dialogue running 24/7 about food. I call it food noise – all the chatter that drowns out your inner voice and intuition when it comes to nourishment. I would think about what I was going to eat, what I had just eaten, what I was allowed to eat and why I was so effing bad at dieting all the time. I first remember it at the age of 9, not being able to stop thinking about the oreos. Counting how many everyone else had. Noting where they were stored and figuring out when I could have more.

For years, I was consumed by this noise. Every new diet fad, every celebrity endorsement, every #foodporn post sent me spiraling into confusion. Was gluten the enemy? Should I befriend fat? Was the answer kale smoothies or bone broth? The constant barrage of information left me feeling paralyzed, unable to make simple choices about what to put on my plate.

FOOD NOISE GONE

My first DAY on Mounjaro I started crying realizing my brain was quiet. I just wasn’t thinking about food. I realized it was my brain that was disordered, chemically imbalanced. And there was a medical solution.

It was not a moral failing.

From there I had the chance for the first time to try intuitive eating. Because I could actually hear my intuition and not all the noise about food that had been going ALL the time every day of my life. I realized that the key to healthy eating wasn’t found in the latest headlines or the trendiest hashtags. It was buried deep within me, waiting to be unearthed. It was time to tune out the food noise and reconnect with my own body and needs.

My journey to food freedom wasn’t linear, but it was transformative. Here are the key steps that helped once Mounjaro silenced the food noise and I was allowed to find my own harmonious rhythm with food:

1. Unfollow the Hype:

The first step was a digital detox. I unfollowed accounts that triggered feelings of inadequacy or comparison. Instead, I sought out resources that resonated with my values and offered practical, sustainable advice. Remember, you are not a walking hashtag. Find information that empowers you, not manipulates you.

2. Befriend Your Body:

Instead of chasing external validation, I started listening to my internal cues. What made me feel energized? What left me feeling sluggish? I paid attention to hunger cues, cravings, and how different foods affected my mood and energy levels. This wasn’t about restriction, but about developing a genuine understanding of what nourished me.

3. Ditch the Labels:

Forget the clean vs. dirty, good vs. bad food labels. These rigid categories only add to the noise. Instead, focus on whole, unprocessed foods that come from the earth. Explore different flavors, textures, and cultures, making mealtimes an adventure, not a chore.

4. Cook More, Eat Mindfully:

Reconnecting with the act of cooking was a game-changer. It allowed me to control ingredients, portion sizes, and experiment with flavors. Plus, the mindful act of preparing and enjoying a meal helped me savor each bite and appreciate the true value of food.

5. Embrace Imperfections:

There will be days when pizza calls your name, and that’s okay! Food freedom isn’t about perfection, it’s about finding balance and flexibility. Allow yourself occasional indulgences without guilt, and remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal.

Remember, you are the conductor of your own food symphony. Don’t let the external noise drown out your inner melody. By quieting the chatter and tuning into your own needs, you can create a harmonious relationship with food that nourishes both your body and soul.

Here are some additional tips to help you operate in the new space with no food noise governing your body:

• Protein is king on these drugs.
• Hydration is queen.
• Plan your meals and snacks to ensure you’re eating enough.
• Keep safe foods like saltines and protein shakes on hand.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you.
• If you feel like this new quiet space is really disorienting, seek support from a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized guidance. Be sure you find an obesity-medicine informed provider.

You deserve to feel empowered and confident in your food choices. By silencing the noise and connecting with your inner wisdom, you can create a sustainable and enjoyable path to food freedom.

P.S. Remember, I’m just here to share my experience and some helpful tips. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for me may not work for you. The most important thing is to find what empowers and nourishes you on your own unique journey. Now go forth and conquer the food noise!