When eating in your bedroom is a bad idea

There is no rule for eating that fits everyone.

This post is not meant to shame anyone or their habits. I understand the temptation to eat in the bedroom. It can feel cozy and safe. I have had clients for whom eating dinner with their family was a chaotic time, and, in some cases, a time when they were emotionally abused or shamed. So I never want to make a rule for everyone that says you should NEVER do something like eat in your room.

Image of a bed in Montrose, Houston showing that some people like to eat in their rooms. If you struggle with eating, our disordered eating therapists can help you with overeating, binge eating, and purging. Eating disorder therapy near me.

However, what I often find when talking to my clients who are eating in their bedrooms, it is just a bad habit that encourages other bad eating habits. If you are having trouble controlling your eating, Houston eating disorder treatment can help.

Why is eating in your bedroom problematic?

  • Eating in your bedroom can be mindless eating. It is often done while watching TV, or doing other things.

  • People are more likely to overeat in the context of their bedroom. When no one is around and no one sees what you eat, it can be easier to eat certain types of food and food in larger quantities than you would not normally eat. Here are some tips to learn to stop overeating and feel better in your body.

Image of someone eating in front of tv. If you have bad eating habits, a disordered eating therapist in Houston, TX can help. We can help with body image issues, overeating, anorexia treatment, binge eating disorder treatment near me.

  • Food in the bedroom can also cause problems with your room and your bed being dirty because of small crumbs that can attract ants and cockroaches. 

  • Eating in bed can have a negative effect on your sleeping habits and routines. If possible, it’s best to use your bedroom just for sleeping. That way your brain knows that your bedroom is meant for sleep and going into the bedroom can cue sleepiness. This post covers some tips to help you learn to sleep better.

Woman in bed feeling sluggish after overeating. Eating disorder therapists can help you overcome binge eating disorders, body image issues, and anorexia treatment. Our Houston, TX eating disorder therapist near me can show you how to eat intuitively.

Where is a more ideal place to eat?

A big part of having a healthy relationship with food involves eating mindfully. That means you want to be connected to your food and your body. This gives you the best chance of noticing hunger and fullness cues and the best chance you will enjoy your meal.  Eating in your room is often a distracted type of eating. You are better off eating at the dining table or bar in your kitchen, without electronics so you can be mindful. I sometimes encourage people to set the table and even to light a candle to make mealtimes feel more fun or special.

That is not to say you can never eat in your bedroom. Breakfast in bed on special occasions can feel like a real treat. But be careful not to make this your default location to eat meals.

This blog post discussed the best places to eat mindfully in your home if you want to read more about it.

Flowers showing how vibrant you feel after eating well.Eating disorder therapists help you overcome binge eating disorder, body image issues, anorexia treatment. Our Houston, TX eating disorder therapist near me can show you how to eat intuitively.

In our busy society, we are so used to eating quickly, on the go, or while multitasking. This type of busy eating encourages mindless eating. It can be particularly problematic if you struggle with over-eating, snacking, or binge eating.


You want to give yourself the best chance of being healthy. If you are someone who struggles with food or has an eating disorder, consider where you are eating your food. It can make a big difference in how mindfully you eat and in how much you eat.


The advice in this blog is not a substitute for professional counseling. 

GET SUPPORT WITH Eating Disorder treatment IN HOUSTON, TX TODAY!

If you are struggling in your relationship with food or your body, Wilson Counseling can help! Our Houston, Texas eating disorder therapists can help. We offer:

  • binge eating disorder treatment in Houston, TX

  • anorexia nervosa treatment in Houston, TX.

  • Bulimia treatment in Houston, TX

  • Body image treatment in Houston, TX

Take these steps to get support and learn how to make peace with your body.

  1. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation.

  2. Schedule your first appointment for eating disorder treatment.

  3. Get your relationship with food back on track.

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If you’re ready to get started, please contact Wilson Counseling today. Together we can get you to a better place.