For individuals struggling with an eating disorder, labeling food as “good” or “bad” is a common trap. It often leads into a downward spiral.
Labeling Food as “Good” or “Bad”
This notion and perspective on food is commonplace in our culture the mainstream media. As a result, we have essentially become numb to this dangerous form of thinking. Do any of the following scenarios sound familiar?
- “I am so bad for eating that dessert”
- “I’ll be good during the meal so that I can have dessert”
- “That dish has so much fat in it – it must be so bad for me”
- “I’ve been good by fasting all day. Now I can splurge on this meal”
And so forth goes the negative chatter. Some of these presumptions are internal thoughts. While others are voiced or heard from others. Asking such questions about food choices causes a need to address this concern: When did food become a moral issue? The truth is, many of us innocently label foods as being “good” or “bad.”
But the reality is, food cannot determine a person’s character, will, or disposition.
Letting Go of the Idea of Good and Bad Food
The danger of this mindset of good or bad food is the chaos that unavoidably follows. When we make choices about food based on the assumption of morality, we subsequently face consequences that work to correct these choices.
For example, if you have classified dessert as something “bad”, yet eat something that falls in this category, you will likely experience negative feelings stemming not from the food itself, but your perception of what defines this food. Feelings of guilt and shame are typically controlled with some means of compensating. For those who have struggled with an eating disorder, this can trigger past behaviors that are harmful.
Take the power away from food by normalizing your eating experience. When you are engaging your body and allowing yourself to eat intuitively, there is no need to view foods through the lens of good or bad.
Food is simply nourishment for the body that comes in various shapes and forms.
Our bodies can be nourished through all different kinds of foods, and you are free to eat what your body wants and needs without needing to compensate or fall back on an eating disorder. Celebrate this freedom and enjoy the pleasurable aspects of eating everyday!
Image Source: Vin Ganapathy
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