​No, I'm not talking about literal labels on food like the price stamp or nutritional label sticker. I'm talking about the words you use to describe the food...As a dietitian, I quite literally talk about food every day. I listen to the way my clients speak about food and their eating habits. And honestly, we all need to work on our language. 

 

Have you heard of Food Neutrality before? Under the principle of intuitive eating, is a concept of food neutrality. This presents foods by removing the morals and dichotomous thinking regarding food, it eliminates value-based labels and judgments for each particular food or meal. Most commonly this removes food as being labelled as “good vs bad” foods. I love this. This concept helps us unravel the subconscious influence of diet culture in our everyday lives. How can speaking in a neutral way help me?

 

In today’s society, disordered eating and clinically diagnosed eating disorders runs rife. Following decades of diet culture, fad diet trends, fat-phobia, body shaming, and unrealistic beauty standards in the media– many persons' relationship with food has become damaged. It is undisputed that this diet culture has had negative outcomes on eating practices & can lead to poorer, less nourishing food intake or meal patterns. 

 

Also, the language used is often similar amongst family members and friends. One's relationship with food can be influenced by another persons relationship with food. If your family speaks in a negative way about food, you are likely to do so too. And visa versa. Using neutral language when describing food, helps remove the guilt and shame associated with some eating practices, thus creating a safe space for a more positive relationship with food. 

 

A person who has a positive relationship with food has unconditional permission and freedom to eat foods that make them feel good both physically and mentally. Those with a poor relationship with food may use words like these:  

• Good 

• Bad 

• Rubbish 

• Junk food 

• Fatty 

• Diet 

• Rabbit food 

• Clean

• Temptation

• Naughty

• Cheat meal /cheat day
   

 To help speak neutrally, just be objective. Talk about the food for what it truly is, rather than the morals placed on them. E.g. "Lettuce" rather than "clean food"  or "chips" rather than "junk food"You may replace these words with things like:  

• Nourishing

• Nutrient dense

• Fuel 

• Energising

• Social

• Decadent

• Enjoyable

• Satisfying

• Fun 

• Celebration

• Core foods

 

Or describe the foods.... 

• Creamy 

• Colourful 

• Fizzy 

• Fresh 

• Sweet

• Refreshing 

• Salty 

• Savory

• Rich

• Crunchy 

• Smooth 

• Chewy 

What about Nutrition: If I relax the rules, will my health suffer? All food provides nutrition – think of if you were stuck in a desert and hadn’t eaten for 2 weeks – eating something would be better for survival than continuing that starvation.

 

In today's busy world, most of us aren't able to eat three meals and two snacks per day. So eating regularly is important, sometimes our fun foods may just be the energy boost we need. Healing one’s relationship with food can assist in supporting a nutritious, well balanced diet, particularly for those with disordered eating.

 

Encouraging food freedom by removing labels on foods gives more flexibility for individuals to meet foods from the core food groups, hence creating a nutritionally balanced diet without putting stress or pressure on a "dieting" experience.

 

Those with a healthy relationship with food are more likely to eat a well- balanced diet high in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, compared to those with a poor relationship with food who are more likely to over eat nutrients such as refined sugar, salt and a overall higher energy dense diet.    

 

Healthy relationships with food also recognises that food does not only serve the purpose of delivering nutrients to our body. It recognises that we eat for other reasons such as gathering around the table to celebrate with friends or sharing nostalgic family recipes between generations.        

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Now would be a good time to reflect...  What language do you use in regards to food? Do you describe them or place a moral label on them....  

 

If you're needing guidance on how to change your language and build a healthier relationship with food please get in contact with our resident Dietitian - Amelia Weddell.  

 

Amelia is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician.
Amelia has availability to accept new clients!