Burning The Food Rulebook: Why Pizza Isn’t A Moral Failing
We've all been there. That pang of guilt after a slice of cake, the mental tallying of calories after a "cheat meal," the internal monologue that labels certain foods as "bad" and others as "good." It's a relentless, exhausting cycle, and frankly, it's utter nonsense.
Let's cut to the chase: food is not a moral compass. Eating a slice of pizza doesn't make you a terrible person, and skipping a salad doesn't make you a sloth. These are just...foods. Things we consume to fuel our bodies and, yes, to enjoy.
Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we build these rigid, often arbitrary, rules around eating? We're bombarded with diet culture messages that preach restriction and punishment, whispering that only certain foods are "clean" or "acceptable." We're told we have to "earn" our meals through grueling workouts, turning food into a reward system rather than a basic human need.
It's time to rewrite the script.
Myth-Busting Time:
Myth: "Eating cake means you’re ‘off track.’"
Truth: Food is fuel and pleasure. No moral value attached. Let's be real, sometimes you just want cake. And that's perfectly okay. Science backs this up too. Studies, like one published in Appetite (2023), show that restrictive food rules actually increase binge-eating behaviors. When you label foods as forbidden, they become even more desirable.
Myth: "You ‘earn’ food through exercise."
Truth: Your body needs fuel regardless of activity. A 2022 study in the Journal of Eating Disorders links this mindset to disordered eating. Exercise is fantastic for your health, but it shouldn't be used as a means to "punish" yourself for eating.
Let's Talk Real Talk:
Imagine your best friend confided in you about their food guilt. Would you berate them? Would you tell them they're weak for enjoying a treat? Of course not! You'd offer compassion and understanding. So, why can't we extend that same kindness to ourselves?
Think about how you'd talk to a friend about their food choices. Now, talk to yourself that way. Replace the harsh self-criticism with gentle encouragement.
My Own Story (and Some Client Wins):
I've worked with countless clients who were trapped in this cycle of food guilt. They'd meticulously track every calorie, label foods as "good" or "bad," and constantly berate themselves for "slip-ups." But through mindful eating practices, and a shift in perspective, they were able to let go of the food rules, and enjoy food again. They found freedom.
Your Takeaway Action:
I challenge you this week to eat something you've labeled as "forbidden" without guilt. Savor it. Enjoy it. And notice how your body feels. Report back. Let's break free from the shackles of diet culture together.
Let’s remember, food is meant to be enjoyed, not feared. Let's burn the food rulebook and embrace a healthier, more compassionate relationship with eating.