Bite Back Against Food Shaming!
- by WONDERMOM
- Oct. 7, 2023
Have you ever been on the receiving end of an eyebrow raise as you reached for that second slice of cake? Or perhaps a so-called “well-meaning” comment from a mate about how much sugar is in your favorite treat? If so, you’re not alone! Food shaming is an all-too-common occurrence in today’s society, and its emotional repercussions can be deeply felt.
Food shaming, for those not familiar, is when someone makes negative comments or judgments about what you eat or how much you eat. Whether it’s a passive-aggressive sigh, a not-so-subtle comment, or even an outright critique, it all boils down to the same thing – someone is trying to make you feel bad about your food choices.
Now, let’s talk about how food shaming affects us emotionally. For starters, it can undermine our self-confidence. Being constantly judged for what we eat can make us second-guess ourselves. Instead of enjoying a delightful piece of chocolate, we’re left wondering if we should’ve picked the low-fat, sugar-free, gluten-free, taste-free alternative. The result? An internal battle between what we want and what others expect of us.
Moreover, for mums trying to teach their kiddos about balanced diets and self-love, food shaming can make the journey tougher. Kids are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. If they see mum being shamed for her food choices, they might begin to think that there’s something wrong with enjoying certain foods. This not only distorts their relationship with food but can also hamper their self-esteem.
Another key emotional repercussion of food shaming is the sense of guilt and shame. Imagine trying a new diet and having a colleague make a cheeky comment about the “naughty” treat you’re having on a cheat day. Instead of focusing on the 95% of the time when you followed the diet, you’re left stewing over that one comment.
The cherry on the cake (pun intended!) is that food shaming can exacerbate feelings of isolation. Food, after all, is a significant part of social interactions – from family dinners to coffee dates with friends. If every bite is subjected to scrutiny, it can make one dread these social events.
Now, while it might be tempting to serve a plate of icy cold revenge to those food shamers, remember that everyone is on their own journey. Some might be unaware of the emotional impact of their words, while others might be projecting their insecurities.
Instead, let’s arm ourselves with knowledge and understanding. When we’re confident in our food choices and the reasons behind them, it becomes easier to brush off unsolicited advice.