I’ve talked about it before and I’m sure I’ll talk about it again, but I strongly, strongly dislike food shaming. There’s just no place for it in society. I’m a BIG proponent of eating in a way that makes you feel good and is sustainable for your lifestyle. I’m that big of a proponent that I needed to capitalize and bold it for emphasis.
If you want to eat a certain way and you’re in a healthy mental state, do it. No justifications needed.
In January when I first discussed that I was doing Whole30 I wrote a long post detailing my reasonings. I think it made sense in my case because a) I was going through health struggles and there was more to the story and b) I choose to share my life on a public blog so I wanted to be honest and explain my thoughts.
But in “real life” and even in blog life, you/we don’t have to do that. We can eat whatever without justifying. Whether it’s “I’m trying to be healthy” or “I want to lose weight” or “I’m craving this” or “I just freaking want to.” All that matters is that we know the true reasoning behind our choices. Of course, we have a responsibility to be honest with ourselves, but that’s a different topic.
End rant.
All this to say, yes I’m obviously eating Paleo now, and have been for the last 5 months. I want to clear the air on this topic. I feel good…great even. That’s not to say I’ll eat this way forever, but I’m not going to over think it. If it wasn’t for this blog I probably wouldn’t talk about my food choices as much because it’s just food. I also know that everyone has their own opinions (on everything) and there’s no need to start a war.
Say what you want, say it’s not for you, say you like carbs too much (even thought Paleo is not inherently low-carb) but respect the other person’s decision. I’ve learned to do that with other diets and lifestyles because I know first hand that there is no right way to live healthy.
Ok, end rant for real.
Food lately has been pretty darn good. I’m in full on summer mode with cooking and want zoodles and stuff on the grill 24/7. I suppose that’s nothing ground-breaking, but I figured I’d still share a full day of meals. Of course, this isn’t everything I ate in one day (obvi, because my kombucha and almond butter aren’t shown).
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WIAW: Food Shaming
Breakfast
A purple sweet potato with sautéed kale, carrots, a fried egg and sauerkraut. The picture would have been much better if I showed all the carrots (which are hidden) and cut into the egg to show the yolk. Rookie mistakes.
Lunch
Mixed greens with grilled chicken, strawberries, cucumbers and avocado.
Dinner
Coconut and dill salmon with coodles and zoodles (plus an un-pictured avocado mixed in after). Went back for seconds on everything.
Other recent meals:
Raw tuna and salmon with coconut balsamic, lime, ginger and coconut flakes
Avocado zoodles with spinach and grilled chicken
Baked rosemary chicken with mixed greens, leftover roasted carrots, avocado and pomegranate seeds.
Collard green wraps with salmon, avocado, carrots and cucumber.
Zoodles and kale with a fried egg and avocado
ZOMGIWANTALLTHETHINGSRIGHTNOW.
I have about as much time for food shaming as I do for self tanner and fake eyelashes. You can guess how much that is. As someone who has had to eat in a way that is quite different from many of my peers for a long time, you can bet I’ve run into healthy food shaming. But you stand your ground and do what is best for YOU. Because I think the alternative (being sick and or miserable) is far worse!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Marathon Training Advice For Your Second Marathon
I freaking love you. You make everything so relatable. No self-tanner for me either.
Yes, the alternative is much worse! I’m glad I’ve learned that.
I have so many friends who have shared with me that Paoliello is there gluten free. In the sense I have been gluten-free for almost 23 years and my joints stop aching my rashes have disappeared all of it. I don’t get the shaming. We just need to find what works for us.
Carla recently posted…No is not a four-letter word.
I had to get over the “food shaming” when it came to being GF in middle school (most people were just curious because it was foreign at the time), but now that I’m older, I’m fed up with it!
All that yummy seafood…It looks AMAZING!!! I am definitely looking forward to peaches…They seriously are the BEST, especially when the juices are dripping down your face and hands…Come on SUMMER! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Recent Nantucket EATS
You have me craving that now! Hopefully this weekend I’ll get some :)
Amen to this! I don’t get why people think they have the right to tell people what they should and shouldn’t eat? It’s food people! I say eat what you want, don’t eat what you don’t like, and go about your business ;)
Respecting other people’s choices is so important. And yes, in this case, it’s just freaking food!
First, uh, people who see your food and “shame” it are just jealous, because it all looks incredible. Also, food is one of those things that’s shoved in our faces (by media, etc.) as something we’re doing wrong. I think that makes people extra insecure about their food and more likely to scorn others for their food choices. Not saying it’s right, but that insecurity often drives meanness. In any case, you’ve gotta do what works for you… and hopefully one day people stop being mean forever ?
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five: A Random Blog Survey
“I think that makes people extra insecure about their food and more likely to scorn others for their food choices” <--- YES. I couldn't agree more and I'm so glad you brought that up. It's taken me time to feel confident about how/what I eat (because it is "different" in some ways) but all that matters is how I feel.
Best. Rant. Ever. I absolutely hate food shaming and just wish everyone could mind their own business about other people’s food choices. If we each eat what makes us feel good in the end, isn’t that what counts? Favorite summer foods — watermelon, zucchini, and strawberries! I know I can get these year round but they taste 10x better in the summer!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Avocado Toast – 3 Ways
Exactly- eating what makes us feel good should be the most important thing.
Give me just those three foods and I’d be a happy camper!
Love this post Emily! I feel like our society is SO quick to judge what or how others eat. Whatever works for you and makes you happy is most important! There should never be a need to justify what you are eating. xoxo <3
You’re right, people are very quick to judge! There’s usually more to the story, too.
Couldn’t agree more!
Unless you stole your food or put poison in it and fed it to somebody else, you should fee NO SHAME in your choices!
I feel just fine eating pretty much anything (within reason – too much refined sugar/flour and I’m dead to the world), so I plan to stay that way till I don’t.
Your meals look phenomenal. I see no deprivation and would eat ANY of these plates myself in a heartbeat.
Best of all, I think it’s great that you’re feeling well! That’s the important thing.
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…First Haircuts + Taking Chances
Haha YES. No shame at all. I think it’s important to stay in tune with how you feel when eating things, and adjust only if necessary.
Ugh I so agree. Everyone needs to follow the old “eyes on your own plate” rule. Just eat whatever you want, whatever makes you happy, and who cares what anyone else eats??? SERIOUSLY.
PS. I love raw tuna and salmon. One of the best things ever :D
I wish it was that simple..because that’s how it SHOULD be! I also wish I could eat raw salmon and tuna every night :)
I can’t stand when people judge others for their eating habits, so annoying! That was a great rant haha. MY favorite summer foods are all the produce!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Blackberry Peach Crisp Baked Oatmeal {Gluten-free & Vegan}
Well, thanks :) I just can’t keep produce in stock during the summer! I find myself at the market every day wanting to buy more.
As always, love and agree with everything you said. Also, your meals look incredible. I never would have thought to have a sweet potato with breakfast but now I’m very tempted!!
Just microwave it when the other part of breakfast is cooking :)
Love your rant and agree! I have to say if it wasn’t for the blog world, I wouldn’t even know what Paleo was! I actually feel like it’s just the blog world that really overthinks things (with good reason because.. rude comments, ha) but it’s sad! Like, my friends don’t know what I eat or have anything to say about it! That’s how it should be, right?!
heather @Fitncookies recently posted…Making the Most of Your Workouts
Exactly how it should be! I probably wouldn’t know of Paleo if it wasn’t for the blog world (although my doctor suggested I continue it to fight inflammation). Most people in my real life don’t know what it is, and I don’t willingly bring it up!
Rant any time :) I’m obviously the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to diets and eat a very carb/bread-heavy diet. But just like paleo is what works for you, that’s what keeps me happy and healthy. My coworkers are always saying things like “how can you eat bread and not be fat?” and other somewhat offensive things about food. I used to get uncomfortable when people made comments about what I eat, but now I own it. I eat what I want, when I want. I don’t restrict myself from eating certain things. I finally found food freedom. And I don’t have any sensitivities to anything I eat. So there’s no need to change what I’m doing. You, on the other hand, DID have food sensitivities so you made adjustments to your diet to help yourself feel better. I don’t know how anyone could shame you for that.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Boston You’re My Home
I remember reading some of your older posts about co-workers commenting on your food. Like, WHAT?! Why?
Like you, I’ve come to “own” what I eat too. I’ve had to because the GF jokes are endless nowadays.
Health is definitely individual! It’s unfortunate that people still have not come to realize this and that diets do not work either! Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts girl.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…WIAW…Listening To My Body
Over the last year I’ve learned so much about my health and I’m grateful to have found what works for me. But, that said, my “diet” isn’t a universal recommendation or suggestion. It would be boring if everyone was the same, right? ;)
Emily I love all this! Totally agree with the fact that we should just eat what we want and no questions asked. Also you have the most beautiful zoodle pictures. Right now I want all the watermelon (I know you feel me), pineapple, and food from the grill too!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Chicago Michelob Ultra Half Marathon Recap
YES, I feel you big time. Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to buy and eat all the watermelon, right?
I just don’t GET food shaming – like, how much freaking spare time do you have that what someone else eats is THAT interesting to you – pick up a hobby.
On another note, all of your food looks so beyond. I can’t even – your photography skills are to be envied!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Back to Workin’ it Out
Haha seriously…Pick up a hobby!
Oh gosh my photography “skills” are not really “skills.” Good iPhone editing apps perhaps ;) But thank you!
your zoodles look awesome ! mine area always a little watery even if i let them sit out a bit. i love that your summery foods are so healthy LOL. my summer cravings are more for things like ice cream :) but i am so happy that berries are starting to taste good again !
as for your rant. i totally agree. i didnt even notice you seemed to be more paleo but i guess i can see if now that you point it out. i want to try purple sweet potato and want to try sweet potato in general for breakfast i just havent gotten around to it. i would need to make the night before. if you have time to roast a sweet pot in the oven for breakfast you are living the post college/pre job dream ! enjoy it and have fun.
My zoodle “trick” is to only cook half of the zoodles and then mix them with the other half (raw). Ha- I rarely cook my sweet potatoes in the oven (I’m impatient). Just microwaved!
I felt AWESOME doing the Whole30, but I’ve definitely incorporated all food groups back into my life again. I definitely go light on the dairy and gluten, but I enjoy a lot of tofu and plant-based proteins!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…WIAW – New Job, New Routine
I think Whole30 helped me really figure out what works for my body. I’m grateful for that!
I’m such a believer of doing what makes you feel amazing! That’s really what food is about right!! And your meals – I’m swooning!!
AMEN!
I love this and agree 100% with you! People need to get over it and mind their own business! I get that a lot living in southern California, since gluten free is such a fad here. Whenever I say I’m gluten free, I hear “of course you are”… I just want to scream “It’s because I have Celiac”, but I’ve learned it’s better not to argue with ignorant people! Ha okay, that was my little rant! :) xo, Kristina
Kristina @ Ms.Modify recently posted…Celiac Disease Resources
OMG I’m annoyed for you! I hate those types of comments. Good of you for taking the high road :)
Such an awesome post on a topic that can’t be discussed enough. I have Celiacs so I am gluten free. That does not mean I don’t eat ice cream. Stop asking me why. GF does not mean 100% clean eating!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…WIAW # 57: Cook It In A Pan
Exactly! So many assumptions and questions. If only we focused on ourselves…*eye roll emoji*
Girl, I love that you own your lifestyle so eloquently. You’re not judgmental. You’re not persuading anyone. You’re not justifying your choices. You’re just living your life in the way that makes you feel your absolute best. I love that.
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…Coming Home For the Summer (2nd Time)
This comment means so much to me, Julia. I really hope to come off as just sharing my life, not saying “this is the way to live,” because that’s far from the truth.
Yes. Yes. Yes. I love this, and I love you. Thank you for your honesty! I love all your Paleo eats… It would be fun to try Paleo, but I’m also so thankful that you emphasized that there is no ‘one size fits all’ because we are all made different. <3
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Money or Memories?
We really are so unique in our needs and wants. It would be boring if everyone was the same!
i will never understand why people have to judge or bring others down.. like who cares what you are eating? or what others are eating? i mean i am always curious and i love to see what other people are eating, but i don’t judge people for being vegetarians or paleo or low carb or whatever. it doesn’t affect me in the slightest, so why should i judge? i’m with you, you gotta do what’s right for you. all that said, all your meals look delicious. your presentation is fabulous.
kristen recently posted…Stitch Fix #4
Exactly! No one should care. I’m always curious too, and probably why I love following food accounts on Instagram, but it’s for fun and inspiration, not to critique what others are doing.
I couldn’t agree more with this post and your thoughts! Food shaming urks me and I will not tolerate any form of it from people. Everyone just needs to do what’s best for themselves and mind their own business. Keep doing you and pleeeease keep posting the pictures of your delicious food :-)
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…Currently: May
Perfectly said! To each her own :)
WHERE OH WHERE DID YOU GET THAT GORGEOUS RAW FISH!? I’ve only ever seen it in sushi restaurants but I’d love to be able to eat it at home more regularly!
[email protected] recently posted…Easy Cornbread Mugcake [gluten-free + high protein]
We are really lucky to have access to a great, high-quality restaurant down here so we get our fish through them. I’m very spoiled in that sense. But I do sometimes just get the sashimi already cut from Whole Foods sushi bar and use that!
Glad you find a diet that works for you – that’s what matters! The fact that it looks gorgeous and makes me drool is secondary ;)
Casey the College Celiac recently posted…15 Thoughts Everyone Has Crying During a Yoga Class
Thank you, Casey! You could say the same about your colorful meals on Instagram :)
Yesss I love this. I have been dabbling in grain-free cooking recently–not committed to it, but trying it out–and I just hate that one of the reasons I’m hesitant to go all-in on it for a trial is because I’m scared of ridicule from other people. It’s so silly! I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling awesome with eating paleo right now. You keep doing you! <3 (Also, your eats are so pretty and colorful. I can't wait until strawberries are in season here and don't cost $10000000 per quart!)
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…12 Easy Ways to Live Greener
I’m so glad you shared this because that’s EXACTLY how I felt when I started eating paleo. I didn’t want to label myself (I still don’t, because I don’t love labels in general). But, you’re right, it’s so silly! Keep doing you too! xo
Food shaming REALLY irritates me. Often I feel like I get judged (actually, it’s not even “I feel like”, I am judged) for being gluten free, however, I have absolutely NO choice in the matter as I have coeliac disease!
People really need to realise that you’ve got to find what works for YOU and not care about what others are doing – that includes both copying others or XYZ diet or being mean to them!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Single Serve Pumpkin Pie Baked Oats (Healthy & Vegan)
Gluten-free is a tough one because some of us are forced to eat that way (celiac) and others just choose to, for whatever reason. Good for them if they feel good, though! So that’s one where you just can’t ever make assumptions.
There ain’t no place in my life for food shaming!! Apparently this has become an issue in elementary schools with kids you had allergies or dietary concerns- like what?? Anyway, you have fabulous food photography and I have been loving collard green wraps lately as well! I love how easy they are to roll up!
kerri mcgrail recently posted…6 Best Ways to Improve Digestion
Elementary schools? That makes me so sad!
Yes, girl, yes. You do you, and literally no explanations are necessary. I’m so glad you’ve found a way of eating that works for you and your digestion and overall health. Also, your eats look AMAZING (like holy goodness). I want to add more salmon and fish into my life, especially after seeing the raw salmon and tuna (I die). In the past, I have had way too many people make comments on how I ate (I honestly think this contributed further to my disordered eating back in the day) and now I’m like, wait a second, why does it matter to you? You can do a rant like that anytime ;)
Caroline recently posted…Currently: May Edition
Thank you so much, Caroline! It really shouldn’t matter to others, and it’s sad how prominent it has become in society.
I die a little over the raw salmon too. Just too good!
I totally agree with all of this. What works for your body is not the same as what works for mine – get over it! Nobody has time in their life to worry about, or judge what someone else is eating. I dealt with food shaming for so long when I was in my eating disorder, and now that I’m trying out vegetarianism it’s happening again. The only thing my friends should care about is that I’m trying to make healthier choices, and no one should shame that! ALSO. When you come up for Marine Corps you’re more than welcome to come and cook for me ;) Everything you make looks stunning!
First, we seriously need to (aka will) plan a meet up during MCM weekend.
Second, I’m sorry you’re dealing with the receiving end of food shaming. What you said is key…people should only care about you (or anyone) making healthy choices for their lifestyle.