Why Do We Have to Label Our Eating?

Sorry ahead of time as this may turn into a mini rant!  These pictures have nothing to do with my post (or nutrition) it’s just that I’m still loving my camo 😉

So, I had my first day back to work this week since being on summer vacation (the perks of working at school) and something interesting happened to me.  This happens to me all time, but it continues to surprise me every time it does.  I met a new co-worker and literally the first question she asked me after we introduced ourselves was “What do you think about macros?” I was confused and asked her to repeat herself because I just was not expecting a nutrition question within the first 10 seconds of meeting.  I giggled to myself as I walked away because I don’t think she was satisfied with my answer.  I politely explained to her that I don’t promote keeping track of numbers in any way….whether it’s counting calories, macros, or frequently self weighing.

I know her question was harmless, but it got me thinking…why do we have to label our eating?  People LOVE to label what they’re doing with their food intake….eating clean or healthy, counting macros, keto, intermittent fasting, low carb, gluten free, avoiding sugar… I could go on.  (PSA I’m not referring to when someone has a true food allergy/intolerance).  Why is it so important for us to have to be following a certain “lifestyle” (FYI it’s a diet not a life style)…what does that accomplish?  What’s the end goal?  Probably weight loss/control for most people, but if this “lifestyle” of eating worked so well for sustainable long term weight loss then why do new fad diets keep popping up all.the.damn.time.  Diets don’t work.

I’ve worked with clients that were extremely undernourished and following a vegetarian diet (for eating disorder reasons), and when we discussed the idea of adding back in animal protein they were sad to lose the identity of being a “vegetarian”.  So we talked a lot about what significance that held for them and why the need to have the label on their eating.  We explored what it would feel like to not label what kind of eater she was and just ate what her body needed.

People often ask me “how” I eat…meaning what eating “style” I follow and they seem to be surprised when I say I don’t follow any specific eating style or plan.  I would say I’m an intuitive eater (separate blog post on that to come)…I obviously aim to eat a varied, and balanced diet that includes REAL food, but I eat gluten when I want and make gluten free recipes when I don’t.  I consume products that contain sugar…but I’m mindful (not obsessive) about my overall intake throughout the day, the week, the month.  Eating a kale salad doesn’t make you “healthy” just as eating a donut doesn’t make you “unhealthy”.

Disordered eating can occur when you become extreme in either direction of the eating spectrum.  I hear certain “nutrition” bloggers talk about how they don’t eat Rx bars, Perfect bars, or kombucha because of the sugar content. That just feels extreme and so unnecessary to me.  Can we just eat a variety of foods and stop obsessing over everything?

Sometimes I feel like I get caught in the middle and need to pick a side.  Obviously I’m passionate about food and fueling your body with nutritious food and definitely share that with my clients and you guys.  I do believe in doing your best to put REAL and quality foods into your body as much as possible, BUT also save room for “fun foods” and food experiences.   If food rules or labels are getting in the way of your ability to live and enjoy your life it is time to take a step back and revaluate what’s most important to you. It’s cheesy but I tell my clients to count memories…not calories 😉

Rant over.  Thanks for hanging in there and listening.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic 😉

xx, Alix