In short, I enjoy every meal but as I approach the end of it, I think about the next one. That becomes my motivator of the day. I live by looking forward to what I’ll eat next. I’m now trying to cut down on my sugar/dessert intake because I’m seeing changes in my body that is probably genetic. So, I’m obsessing over recipes and what healthy meals I can cook next. Perhaps I’m bored and have nothing else to think of. Hence my thoughts are preoccupied by mainly, food. Is this normal? Or is this a disorder? (it’s been at least 5 years having these thoughts)
hi hojichann,
you’re not alone in this. having food as a kind of anchor, something to look forward to, can feel like a stable centre, especially when other parts of life are quiet or unfulfilling.
but when you mentioned “perhaps i’m bored and have nothing else to think of”, that stood out. sounds like the excitement around food is filling a kind of gap. not necessarily bad, but it might be worth asking: what else could feel nourishing for your mind or spirit?
also, the shift to obsessing over healthy recipes, did that feel urgent or pressured, or more curious and fun? sometimes these shifts signal control sneaking in through the backdoor, especially if there’s guilt about dessert or body changes.
maybe food has been your compass. that’s ok. if you’re open, let’s unpack what food is protecting or compensating for, just to understand you more gently.
Hey @hojichann, seems like you’re worried about possibly having an unhealthy obsession with food and whether it constitutes a disorder. Using food as a motivator, in itself, can be harmless as it can be simply something that you enjoy doing and look forward to.
When it comes to ascertaining whether your love for food is an “obsession”, it depends. Does thinking about food/recipes make it hard for you to focus on work? Do you feel stressed when you haven’t had your next meal? Do you often crave to eat even when you’re not hungry, which results in perhaps you feeling overly full at times? And do you perhaps feel ashamed or guilty for your eating?
If thinking about food/recipes does affect you to a great extent, it would be good to seek an opinion from a professional, as they are equipped with the expertise to assess you more holistically. If you’re open to sharing more about your relationship with food here, we will be more than happy to listen! Hope this response helps!
Hey @hojichann, thanks for being so open. It sounds like food brings you joy and structure, and looking forward to your next meal helps motivate your day which isn’t uncommon 
. But when it starts taking up most of your thoughts, especially for 5 years, it’s okay to wonder if something deeper is going on.
You mentioned possibly being bored, and that’s really insightful. Sometimes when other parts of life feel empty or repetitive, food becomes our main focus or comfort. That doesn’t mean something is “wrong,” but it might help to explore if you’re craving more purpose, excitement, or creativity outside of meals.
You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong but if these thoughts are affecting how you feel about food or your body, chatting with a therapist or dietitian could be a helpful next step. You deserve support if you’re feeling stuck 
Hey @hojichann , it sounds like food really plays a big and meaningful role in your daily life, and that looking forward to your next meal brings you a lot of joy and motivation. That’s totally understandable. Food is such a fundamental part of how we experience comfort and pleasure. It’s also really insightful that you’ve noticed how your body is changing and that you’re trying to make healthier choices, which shows a lot of self-awareness and care.
Thinking about food a lot, especially if it’s been going on for years, can feel frustrating or even a little overwhelming. While it’s not unusual to find comfort or distraction in food, especially if other areas feel less engaging, it’s important to check in with yourself to see if these thoughts are impacting your well-being or daily functioning.
If you ever feel like your thoughts about food are causing distress or interfering with your life, it might help to talk with a professional who can support you in exploring this further. But from what you’ve shared, it sounds like you’re navigating this with a lot of mindfulness and intention, which is really positive.
You’re not alone in this, and your feelings are valid. It’s okay to have complex relationships with food. It’s a common experience for many. How are you feeling about it all right now?
hi @hojichann ,
First i would like to say i am not a professional.
Personally (according to my non-professional self), i think this should not be a disorder, since you did not mention that it is affecting your life in any way.
Early humans probably spent a lot of time thinking about their next meal too, so i would say your thoughts are just instinct to me.
I am open to corrections from anyone though 
hey @hojichann 
I actually relate to what you’re saying as I used to have the same thoughts too. I’d find myself constantly thinking about the next meal, and on some days food felt like the only highlight. But whenever those thoughts started getting a bit too excessive, I’d distract myself with other things like hanging out with friends or playing sports (just to give my brain a break from thinking about food all the time)
I actually do enjoy browsing recipes and planning healthy meals though as it’s one of my fav ways to pass time. Maybe it’s something you genuinely enjoy too? But if you’re starting to feel worried or if it’s affecting your peace of mind, it might be a good idea to talk to a professional. Just to make sure there’s nothing deeper going on and to help you feel more in control of it. Hugs! 
Hey @hojichann
I can see that food has become such a big source of motivation and joy for you. Meals can be something concrete to look forward to, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying that. But the fact that you’ve noticed this pattern and are reflecting on it shows a lot of self-awareness 
.
Sometimes when life feels repetitive or unfulfilling, our minds latch onto certain pleasures (like thinking about the next meal) because they give us structure and comfort. That doesn’t automatically mean there’s a disorder, but may I suggest if you’d like to bring more variety or new interests into your days so food isn’t your only source of excitement.