(WWW) To Stop Mindless Eating
(WWW) is a mindfulness-inspired exercise that journalist Catherine Price originally created to help people “break-up” with their phone (or at least be more intentional about their phone use). You can learn more about it here if you're interested.
…and I thought it looked familiar.
Then I realized that this concept is very similar to one that I share in my mini course: Mind Over Meal: Unlocking the Secret to Emotional Eating Freedom.
The idea behind mindful eating is to help you eat with intention and awareness rather than out of habit or emotion. So I thought I'd give you a little inside look into what we practice in the course that you can start implementing today.
What does WWW stand for?
What for?
Why now?
What else?
How To Practice WWW:
The next time you find yourself mindlessly reaching for a snack, ask yourself these 3 questions:
1) What for?
What is the purpose of eating right now? Is your body displaying hunger cues? Or are you eating for another reason, like boredom, stress, or habit? Identifying the “what for” helps you separate physical hunger from emotional or situational triggers.
2) Why now?
Why are you eating at this specific moment? Did something prompt you, like seeing food or a particular time on the clock? Are you responding to actual hunger signals (e.g., a growling stomach, low energy), or is there another reason, like social cues, a craving, or procrastination?
3) What else?
Once you’ve identified the purpose and timing, ask yourself what else you could do instead. If you’re eating because you’re bored, could you go for a walk, call a friend, or try a relaxing activity? If you’re eating to soothe stress, could you practice a breathing exercise or journal for a few minutes? If you’re genuinely hungry, proceed with eating—but do so mindfully, focusing on the taste, texture, and aroma of the food.
Please understand that this exercise isn’t about restricting food or labeling eating habits as “good” or “bad.” It’s about making conscious choices that align with your needs and well-being. Mindful eating takes practice. Some days, you’ll pause and reflect; other days, you’ll forget or eat out of habit. That’s okay. The point isn’t perfection but creating a deeper connection with yourself and your eating choices. Over time, this practice will help you build a more intuitive and positive relationship with food.
