The Diet Culture Dilemma: Should We Really Be Beating Ourselves Up Over Every Snack?
- Jordyn Mayes
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
In a world where everything is moving at the speed of a TikTok scroll and our attention spans are barely the length of a Vine, it's no surprise that we forget the most important thing: ourselves. Yep, our health often gets shoved to the backburner, like that forgotten New Year's resolution to drink more water. We’re constantly running, juggling, and scrolling, but rarely stopping to take a moment for our bodies and minds.
It’s true—what we eat matters. We are what we eat. We’ve heard this over and over, right? And in the age of constant content and infinite distractions, diet culture seems like a good way to help us get back on track. But let’s pause for a second—what if diet culture isn’t the end-all, be-all answer? Can we have a balanced relationship with food without the shame and guilt? Is the constant push to "eat clean" and "stick to a diet" making us unhealthy, rather than healthy?
A Little Discipline Can Go a Long Way
First, let’s give credit where credit’s due. Diet culture, in its ideal form, shows us that there are healthier alternatives to our faves (yes, you can swap out those cheesy fries for air-fried sweet potato fries). It encourages discipline, which can help us change habits for the better. Sure, that 3PM energy slump might be begging you for a Coke and a candy bar, but diet culture tells you: No! You’ve got this! Reach for an apple instead!
And honestly, when we adopt a healthier lifestyle, we often feel better mentally and physically. Our skin clears, our energy levels rise, and we start appreciating our bodies for what they are rather than for how they look.
Too Much Pressure, Too Little Balance
But here’s where the catch is: Diet culture doesn’t always play nice with our mental health. In a world where we’re already overstimulated by endless notifications and endless opinions, we don’t need extra pressure telling us to always “eat clean,” “meal prep,” and “track every calorie.” The constant obsession with perfect eating can lead to feelings of guilt and shame when we fall off track (hello, extra-large pizza slice paired with two glasses after a bad day).
We start to beat ourselves up when we’re at the drive-thru, ordering those Chick-fil-A nuggets, or when the Cheez-Its start calling our name. And here’s the kicker: It’s not just the food; it’s the narrative around it. Diet culture promotes an all-or-nothing mindset that creates a toxic relationship with food. You’re either “on” the diet or you’re “off.” If you’re “off,” that’s when the self-blame spiral kicks in. The pressure is real, and it can leave us more confused than empowered.
Can We Have It All?
Here’s the truth bomb: We can have a balanced relationship with food without feeling guilty. It’s all about moderation, self-love, and flexibility. You don’t need to go on a restrictive diet to treat your body with respect. In fact, cutting out foods you love (looking at you, fries and cookies) can actually lead to binge-eating later. It's about finding a sustainable way of living, and allowing yourself to enjoy life’s little pleasures.
The Solution: Healthy, Not Restrictive
Shift the Focus to Nourishment, Not Restriction: Rather than thinking about what you “can’t” have, focus on what you can have. Add in more whole foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains that make you feel good and energized.
Mindful Eating: Take the time to sit down and actually enjoy your meal. Ditch the screens and distractions. Be present, and savor the flavors—it’s not just about what you eat, but how you eat.
Let Go of Perfection: It’s okay to indulge sometimes! Life’s too short to say no to a slice of birthday cake or your favorite fast food. It’s about finding a healthy balance that works for you.
Listen to Your Body: It knows what it needs. If you’re craving a snack, maybe it’s time for a handful of nuts or a piece of dehydrated fruit. But if it’s a comforting burger you're after, give yourself permission to enjoy it without guilt.
Let’s End the Food Guilt, Shall We?
So, what’s the takeaway here? We get it—diet culture is tempting. It promises quick fixes, but it can also make us feel like we’re always falling short of some unattainable ideal. Instead, how about we redefine the conversation? It’s not about perfection—it’s about balance, respect, and making choices that actually work for you. Your body is your temple, but it’s also not a prison.
Let’s stop shaming ourselves for every craving, and start treating our bodies with the love and care they deserve. After all, you don’t need to follow every “diet rule” to live your best life.
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