Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why is it that I feel disgusted by eating food?

8 Answers
Last Updated: 12/30/2020 at 1:18am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Tracy-Kate Teleke, PsyD, M.A., LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

I assist adults and couples in CA experiencing relationship challenges and interpersonal struggles including anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other life challenges.

Top Rated Answers
SummerLivn
- Expert in Eating Disorder
April 5th, 2015 7:00am
Well, if you think about it- eating can be disgusting. The process of chewing, swallowing and food going through your intestines is rather gross. BUT- having said that, of course, food is a necessity in life. I had a hard time with that when I was anorexic and I started to picture my food differently. I pictured it as seeds that planted flowers of health in my tummy, and necessary for my health and personal growth. I still have a hard time at restaurants and with food in general, but now I think of it as a vitamin that nourishes my body and makes me healthy. It's perception- and you have to work to change it. It isn't easy, but you CAN do it.
Sunshine009
- Expert in Eating Disorder
June 9th, 2015 3:16am
You probably have associated it to something negative in your life. Whether it be body image, stress, anxiety, or something else, your brain automatically sees food as a negative, not a positive. You could start to reverse this by finding food relating things you enjoy such as cooking a special meal or decorating a cake. Hope this helps you!
beYOUtiful365
- Expert in Eating Disorder
December 29th, 2015 3:03pm
You feel disgusted by eating food because you are listening to your ED. He is telling you to eat what HE deems as the right food, and you are giving in. Take control of your own life and fight back against ED. You should never feel disgusted for doing something healthy for your body. Food is fuel. Food is how we live and how we grow. Enjoy it.
Raspberrycheesecake
September 10th, 2018 1:32pm
You might feel disgusted by eating food because you could have associated it as something negative in your life. This could be anxiety, stress, body image or self confidence or maybe a trauma! Your brain now thinks of it as something negative and this makes you feel disgusted, which is then projected into the food. This means, you see food in a negative light. You can start to view food as something more positive by seeing it as fuel for your body and by having fuel in your body, you are able to do more things, like cook your favourite meals or even baking or doing a hobby you enjoy to do!
Anonymous
September 14th, 2015 5:26pm
Sometimes we feel guilty for eating because we feel as though we are doing the wrong thing by eating. Establishing a healthy relationship with food can sometimes be difficult but with the right support you will find it easier to do this. People are available to talk to you and help you through this. Sometimes we feel bad because we think we are unhealthy or that we are unhappy with our bodies, but it is possible to eat without feeling guilty.
Greatlistener87
November 14th, 2015 4:18pm
It could be that you have a bad mental picture on food from some bad experience. Its good if you could go to a therapist/counselor to determine what is the reason and help you deal with it.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 8:22pm
Well it depends, if you are self conscious it could Make you feel disgusted because of those issues
DaisyDiva2
December 30th, 2020 1:18am
Low self-esteem can make people feel like they do not deserve food. I try to do self esteem building exercises like learning something new (crocheting, jewelry making, skiing, etc.) when I feel like I need a self esteem boost. Challenging myself routinely in some way, no matter how small, keeps my self esteem in check when the daily struggles of life take their toll on my self worth. Also, doing something nice for someone else on a regular basis can be a self esteem builder. Again, no matter how small the gesture, goes a long way in keeping your self esteem up.