Challenging Food Guilt
Presented by Society Insurance
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By Alyssa Levine
When you love food, but struggle with weight or body image, it can sometimes feel like a toxic relationship you just can’t get away from.
Many of us have developed an unhealthy relationship with food due to struggles with weight or fear of weight gain. It doesn’t help that being overweight in our society comes with great challenges, from abuse to discrimination.
Aside from public criticism and harassment, overweight people are consistently mistreated by medical professionals and mocked when attempting to pursue fitness. They also have a harder time finding jobs, and are sometimes paid less.
Food not only nourishes us, but we come together with family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy it while in each other's company. Our most nostalgic memories normally revolve around food, like our folks chicken soup, or that one dish that no one else makes quite like they did. So why does food have so many negative associations?
Unfortunately, our society is very focused on image, and not fitting a mold can be met harshly. As a response, we’ve developed a dangerous diet culture that has profound effects on mental health, including eating disorders such as Binge-Eating, Bulimia, and Anorexia.
I have been overweight for most of my life, struggling with a binge-eating disorder myself. I was constantly fighting an internal battle between my love for food and my compulsion. Though ironically, it was through my love for food that I found balance.
I’m a food writer, blogger and social media “micro-influencer,” driven to learn everything about food, history and culture. I love experiencing new things and sharing stories, so that others can learn and experience it with me. Yet simply being overweight, some view my platform as controversial, because I “shouldn’t be eating these foods when I clearly need to lose weight.” At times I’m also publicly shamed, and accused of “glorifying obesity.”
Since I’ve found a way to be comfortable and happy with who I am, these things haven’t bothered me in a long time… but I do find it a bit befuddling that people are shocked by the idea of an overweight foodie. I mean…?
So, I used my love of food to combat my love-hate relationship with it. I focused on learning about food and seeking out incredible experiences. Over time, mediocre food lost its appeal and I craved experience over quantity, but I also didn’t rush progress as I always had in the past. I chose to focus on mental health and small changes, and with that I’ve been able to make other changes in my life while setting small, attainable goals.
I still have bad days where I struggle with depression or anxiety, and will turn to snacking for comfort. But that’s human, we’re not going to be perfect all the time, and we have to be kind to ourselves when we slip up. Evaluate what you’re feeling and be introspective, but give yourself the compassion you deserve.
You can love food, and enjoy it, and give yourself permission to not feel guilty for this. We all have to find our own balance, and our own happiness. It may take time, but no one else has the power to tell you where you should find it.
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Society Insurance has been a leading niche insurance carrier since 1915. As a mutual insurance company, Society focuses on the small details that make a big difference to its policyholders while offering top-notch insurance coverage, service and competitive pricing to businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia and soon Texas.
My name is Alyssa Levine, I’m a Food Writer & Blogger, Foodtographer, Social Media Consultant, and Micro-Influencer. But above all, I'm a food enthusiast with a passion for history and culinary traditions. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, I had the privilege of being able to experience food from around the world, even if I couldn’t board a plane. Chefs, restaurateurs and culinary professionals share their piece of the world through their creations. I love sharing their stories, and my excitement, through content creation to connect these amazing restaurants with their communities.
Find more on Best Served at “Deliver Me From Hunger,” with food stories and adventures at Totally Forked, and on Instagram.
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Best Served. To achieve our mission of bringing more voices to the table, we are committed to sharing a variety of viewpoints across the industry.
