The Committee of Eaters: why we eat when we’re not hungry
The Committee of Eaters: The Inner Debate That Drives Us to Snack
I’d like introduce you to my Committee of Eaters that live rent-free in my head. And they’re always, always arguing.
Here’s their latest pow wow. It’s late afternoon, I’ve eaten well all day and I know I’m not hungry. But there’s this pull toward the pantry. That’s when the meeting is called to order.
It includes…
1. The Rebel
The one who slouches in their chair, smirking.
“You’ve had a tough day. You deserve a cookie. Or two. Or five. Go on, live a little!”
2. The Nutrition Nerd
Glasses perched on their nose, armed with a clipboard.
“But you’re not physically hungry. We should wait until we feel real hunger signals.”
3. Captain Killjoy
Forever clutching their pearls and raining on your food parade.
“Are you really going to eat that? You’re going to regret this. Remember last time?”
4. The Therapist
Gentle but ever so convincing, like a life coach with a snack agenda.
“Feeling a little off today? A cookie might just be the emotional hug you need. Let yourself have one, or maybe three…who’s counting?”
And of course, there’s The Rational Moderator, who tries to restore order. Only to be drowned out by the chaos.
When the Committee Gets Out of Control
This little debate often ends in The Rebel winning - they’re annoyingly persuasive (like a smooth-talking salesperson convincing you that you can’t live without the thing they’re peddling). So I grab the snack, eat it and immediately, Captain Killjoy chimes in:
“See? That wasn’t even hunger! There were no signs—no growling stomach, no low energy, nothing. You didn’t really need that.”
And yeah, there’s some truth in that. But it’s not helpful.
Why This Happens
When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, our bodies and brains crave something to fill the gaps. Food is convenient, comforting and an easy way to distract ourselves from that “empty” feeling. Even when we know it’s not true hunger, it gives us what we need in the moment.
You see, emotional eating isn’t about lack of discipline. It’s about unmet needs. When it feels like life is “tossing you around,” as The Therapist likes to say, food can feel like a way to ground yourself—even if just for a moment.
How to Keep the Committee in Check
1. Take a pause
The next time you feel the pull to eat, pause. Take a breath and just notice what’s happening. This gives you a chance to step back and assess what’s really going on.
2. Check for Real Hunger
Is your stomach growling? Are you low on energy? If not, what are you really feeling? Could it be boredom, frustration or loneliness?
Instead of raiding the pantry, sit with the feeling and allow it to pass. Urge surfing is the easiest way to do this.
4. Be Compassionate
Captain Killjoy has good intentions but isn’t so good at communicating them. Guilt won’t help you move forward—curiosity will. Instead of shaming yourself, ask: “I wonder what I was feeling in that moment?” Then provide yourself with some understanding. After all we’re all just doing the best we can in any moment.
Final Thoughts
We all have a Committee of Eaters inside us and their debates can be exhausting. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let them run the show. By understanding what’s behind the chatter and responding with curiosity (not criticism), you can quiet the noise and make choices that actually feel good—both in the moment and after.
And hey, if the Rebel gets their way now and then, that’s perfectly fine. Progress isn’t about muting every voice in the committee; it’s about tuning in, acknowledging your feelings and sometimes, yes, that includes eating. It’s not about striving for perfection—it’s about fostering trust in yourself and your choices.
Who’s on your Committee of Eaters? 😊