Let’s get one thing straight: unless there’s a medical reason behind it, carbs are not the enemy. If your diet allows for mountains of bacon and pork rinds, then don’t feel guilty about enjoying a banana or sweet potato.
You never need to “make up” for indulging in a donut or any treat with extreme workouts or skipping meals. When you order your favorite dessert (or mozzarella sticks or fries) during a night out with friends, you don’t owe anyone an explanation about how you’re “being bad” or how you “don’t usually eat like this.”
It’s time to eliminate the moral judgments we place on food. This kind of thinking breeds disordered eating, shame, and a culture of fat-phobia. We’ve been conditioned to believe these things, and I’m no exception. I’ve struggled with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia for years, and while I’m unlearning the harmful messages of diet culture, it’s an ongoing challenge to simply appreciate and nourish my body without obsessing over how to make it smaller or leaner.
Even if your experience with body image isn’t as extreme as mine, we’ve all been influenced by a society that prizes thinness above all else, including our mental and emotional well-being. The message is clear: obsess over being thin first, and think about your happiness later. I’m done with it.
Just the other day at a café, I overheard a young girl tell her mom she wanted a bagel. Without hesitation, the mom replied, “Too many carbs; you don’t want to be a big fatty!” It broke my heart. I wanted to tell that girl, “Your weight is the least interesting thing about you! You are beautiful and can eat whatever you want.”
But I held back. I didn’t want to interfere with their family dynamic, especially given my own toxic experiences growing up with body shaming. Instead, I smiled at her, hoping she could sense my support and know her worth.
The examples of this kind of behavior are endless. Recently, at a school meeting with snacks available, I heard a mom apologize as she reached for a piece of candy, saying, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I don’t want to blow up like a balloon.” Statements like this, even if not intended to shame, can inflict harm and perpetuate negative beliefs about food and body image.
I’ve been there too, feeling the need to justify my food choices to strangers. But the real issue is that we feel we must apologize for enjoying food, especially when it’s not viewed as “healthy.” This is especially true for larger individuals who might feel scrutinized while eating anything that isn’t labeled as “healthy.”
We have no idea about someone’s health or dietary needs just by looking at them. Even if we did, it shouldn’t matter. Everyone deserves respect and the freedom to eat what they want without judgment.
Healing from an eating disorder often involves weight gain, and having children has changed my body too. I remember a time when I worked double shifts just to challenge myself by only drinking water. I was thin but far from healthy.
So, if you’re still clinging to the idea that glorifying thinness is acceptable, please reconsider your stance. If you find yourself talking about your diet or making judgments about others based on appearance or food choices, it’s time to reflect on your own issues.
Feel free to enjoy that mini candy bar—no guilt necessary. Part of establishing a healthy relationship with food is allowing yourself to indulge without making excuses. Don’t let hunger rule your life. I wish I could go back and care for myself better, but I can encourage you to break free from societal norms that dictate how you should eat and live.
And for the love of all that’s good, don’t instill negative beliefs about body image in your children. Telling them that a bagel will make them “fat” can lead to lifelong struggles with eating and mental health.
We can all strive to do better and stop passing these harmful messages to the next generation. Let’s put an end to the discussion around dieting.
If you’re interested in exploring more about this topic, check out this insightful blog post that discusses self-care and body positivity. For those looking into fertility options, Make a Mom offers valuable resources, as does Johns Hopkins Medicine for pregnancy and home insemination guidance.
Summary
It’s time to stop associating moral values with food and to reject diet culture. Everyone deserves to eat without guilt or judgment, and we must be mindful of how our comments about food can affect others, especially children. Let’s work together to foster a healthier relationship with food and body image for ourselves and future generations.
Keyphrase: Stop Talking About Your Diet
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