The Real Reason You Need To Change The Way You Talk About Food

We've all heard of "body shaming" or "fat shaming" (although "thin shaming" is a thing, too), which is what happens when people are openly critical of other peoples' – or, at times, even their own – shape and size. Yes, it's a bad thing, but the issue is a bit more complex than just "haters gonna hate." Many critics of the body positivity movement argue that it sets a dangerous precedent in promoting complacency about the correlation between diet and health. 

Those who feel as if it's their mission to comment on the health issues of others, without any real knowledge, are perpetrators of what Registered Dietitian Sue Heikkinen would call "food shaming." Heikkinen, the resident expert and dietitian for the nutrition app MyNetDiary, explains that food-shaming occurs when a person comments "about one's food choices, or the amount of food they are eating." Examples include, "Are you really going to eat that?," or even jokingly stating, "How could you still be hungry?" 

While these instances may not be said with ill-intent, Heikkinen explains that offering unsolicited advice, even in jest, does far more harm than good. 

But why is food shaming such a bad thing, if we're only trying to express our concern about someone's health? "Shaming" of any sort is never a positive message, since it implies trying to make somebody feel as if they're in the wrong. Among the "negative effects" Heikkinen sees as arising from food shaming are "guilt and an unhealthy relationship with food,", something she warns "can actually fuel more eating or eating disorders."

Another downside of the unhelpful rhetoric is the potential breakdown of close relationships. While Heikkinen says that food shamers may feel as if they are being helpful, their comments, in fact, "can wind up creating a strained relationship." Instead of cutting these well-intended but uninformed individuals out of your life, Sue Heikkinen reccomends, "If the food shamer is a well-intentioned family member or loved one, you may offer ways they can actually support you, such as going for a walk together or trying a new healthy recipe."

If you feel like you are being singled out or embarrassed when you eat, Sue Heikkinen insists, "Don't internalize negative messages from food shamers." She explains, "Food shamers often have their own conflicted relationship with food. They may be jealous when they see you eating food they have deemed off-limits." Adding, "You don't have to engage with food shamers. They don't know how a certain food selection fits into your overall goals, nor is it their business." She suggests changing the subject or perhaps using a polite brush-off like "It sure is delicious, and it fits in my plan."