When Did The Health Community Become So Judgmental?
Some things about this field definitely made me go hmmmm. SO many questions pop into my head, but one has stood out time and time again that I feel the need to share my thoughts with ya’ll….
When did the health community become so judgmental?
Last week I read The Whole Tara’s “Why I’m Not Vegan Anymore.” In one sentence, she wrote about her changing eating habits so her body feels its best. She wrote many things that resonated with me, as I had very similar reasons for why I have adapted and evolved my own eating habits over the past decade. So when I read her follow up response I was surprised it was addressing so many hurtful comments about her food journey. But I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised as many people, such as the former Blonde Vegan (now The Balanced Blonde), have expressed similar sentiments (and Jordan wrote a book about it!).
Personally, my eating habits have varied throughout my life from times when I refused to eat anything other than grilled chicken caesar salads (a teenager thing??) to an obsession with hot dogs (an under the age of 10 thing), to a strict vegan diet (in my early 20s). Now, my eating habits are exemplified every week on this blog and my Instagram…lots of plant-based meals, whole grains, wild fish, little dairy, and water ((lots of water)). Why? Because I have found this balance works for me.
Because that is what food should be about. The purpose of food is multifaceted and has many meanings, but its most basic purpose is to nourish our bodies to function at their optimal performance.
When I consistently eat a sustainable, mostly local, whole foods, pescatarian diet I notice I have more energy, my workouts feel easier, my asthma symptoms ease, and I am able to maintain my weight without much thought. If eating a certain way makes your body work better than it did following a trendy or popular eating plan, you should applaud that…and listen to your body!
[Tweet “If eating a certain way makes your body work and feel better, you should applaud that…and listen to your body!”]
Despite my extensive knowledge about health and nutrition and experience working in the field, I would never let my personal preferences deter someone from finding what works to fuel their body properly unless there was substantial evidence-based literature outlining detrimental effects from following said diet.
So if that’s a paleo lifestyle for you, or a vegan one, or maybe some combination along the spectrum, as long as you feel satisfied and in good health, with a healthy perspective when it comes to food, I applaud you.
Diet is individual. Health is individual. And I think it’s time for the health community to focus on supporting others’ good health instead of judging it! After all, aren’t we all looking for the same thing?
[Tweet “Diet is individual. Health is individual. “]
Cheers to good health!
XO
How do you think the health community can become less judgmental?
THIS –> “Health is individual.” I read Tara’s posts and I think she was really brave “coming out” as not being vegan any more. But the problem is, she shouldn’t have to be. As a vegan myself, I’m passionate about this lifestyle, but ultimately any given person has to choose what’s right for THEM. I think there is room for advocacy without proselytization, but no one should ever be judged for making their own informed choices.
Well said, Sarah! I 100% agree! Thanks for your important thoughts!
So true, great post! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sonali!
My thoughts are similar to what others have mentioned…the vitriol not just on this topic but just about anything shared on the internet these days! Sometimes I’m scared to read comments on articles on any blog or website! It’s great to be able to offer differing opinions of course, but some people just take things a bit too seriously or think that just because someone is writing about what works for THEM, then EVERYONE should follow suit. I say keep up the good work! 🙂
SO true, Jean! It’s unbelievable what people will write online, but would never say to someones face!
I think it’s the whole anonymous world of the Web. Some people are totally comfortable bullying people and saying anything they think because they’re not face to face. It’s still just as mean and insensitive. I totally agree with you Chelsey. We should eat what makes our bodies feel good and not let others pressure us into eating what works for them. Your blog has just the right tone!
Thanks so much! I totally agree with you…the anonymity makes it way too difficult for uncalled for bullying.
Great post. I’m going to go out on a limb and say a lot of these people with negative feedback are people with eating disorders/disordered eating. But then again, I never feel the need to push my views on anyone (besides fast food and processed food being bad for you and chain restaurants being gross).
Thanks for sharing your opinion Cassie! I agree to no fast food…but I totally eat some processed foods at times…after all, frozen veggies are considered “processed!”
Great article with many points that resonated with my type of eating. I eat mostly Mediterranean diet and feel very good on it. And as a dietitian, we as health professionals should be the first to not judge anyone’s eating. That is why some dietitians get a bad reputation as the food police….
So well said. It’s awful how much vitriol there is among the healthy living community when it comes to diet! Eat what makes YOU feel best, physically and emotionally.
Thank you Catherine! I ((obviously)) completely agree!!
Thanks for the mention and beautiful post! 🙂
-Tara
Of course! I could totally relate to so many things you said! It’s time for everyone to be more empowering and positive!