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We’re in a moment right now, politically and culturally, where the fear-mongering around food seems louder than ever. I’ve seen countless headlines (just this week) that make hyperbolic statements about diets that are “deadly,” foods that are “killing us,” or the items we should “never eat.” I know you might be feeling some fear right now about certain foods. I truly empathize and understand. It’s hard to sift through the scary noise when you’re worried about a medical condition or the wellbeing of your family (and, I’ll be covering this in upcoming bonus episodes of Full Plate on Patreon). But no matter what we might be grappling with personally, or the choices we might make with food as individuals, I want to suggest that at the very least we check ourselves on how we talk about food — both when it comes to self-talk, as well as in conversation with others. Language is powerful. The way we talk about food doesn’t just reflect how we see it—it shapes how others feel about eating, their bodies, and their worth. It even impacts the way we physically feel after eating a food (digestive issues, anyone??). Many common food-related phrases seem harmless but carry deep implications, reinforcing shame, elitism, and harmful hierarchies. What if we paused to reconsider the words we use? Reconsidering the Language of FoodBefore you call something “junk food”, remember: these are the same foods that many people rely on for nourishment, sensory preferences, joy, culture, tradition, connection, and affordable energy. "Junk" strips away the value these foods bring to people's lives. (Take a listen to this episode on ARFID for more). Before you use the phrase “clean eating”, consider its roots. This marketing term is steeped in supremacy culture, racism, and elitism. It implies that other foods are “dirty,” fostering division and unnecessary judgment. (I spoke with Shana Spence, @thenutritiontea, about this on the pod recently. Listen here.) Before you refer to some foods as “real,” ask yourself: what does that mean? All food is real unless it’s a toy. This term subtly elevates some foods over others, suggesting they’re superior to so-called “fake” foods. Before you say some foods are “garbage,” think about how our food systems have evolved. Packaged foods often fortify essential nutrients and provide convenient, accessible energy for countless people. Without them, meeting nutritional needs can be challenging. Before you call certain foods “whole,” let’s get literal: the only foods that truly fit this term are the ones with actual holes in them (hello, bagels and donuts). Otherwise, this industry-invented term excludes and elevates arbitrarily. Before you label something a “guilty pleasure,” consider: guilt doesn’t belong on your plate. Or anyone else’s, for that matter. Pleasure, however, is an integral part of a compassionate relationship with food. Before you say you’re going to “indulge,” reflect on what this implies. It suggests you aren’t inherently worthy of that food, or that it must be “earned.” It also sends that same message to those you’re with. But you are always worthy of eating — we all are. Before you say a food can “detox” you, look at the science: detoxification happens naturally via your liver and kidneys. No food has the magical ability to “cleanse” your body. Before you call foods “unhealthy,” notice how this upholds food morality. Health is multifaceted—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Every food has a role to play in nourishing us.
What If We Just Called Food…Food?Pizza. Cereal. Broccoli. Chicken. Cupcakes. Bananas. These are not “good” or “bad” foods—they’re just food. By calling them by their names, we begin to unravel the binaries that uphold shame and food elitism. Shifting this narrative isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about creating a more inclusive, affirming space for everyone to eat with dignity and autonomy. This change matters. It supports marginalized communities, fights back against nutritional elitism and racism, and pushes back on the fear-based rhetoric that drives disordered eating. Unlearning Takes TimeLet’s be patient—with ourselves and others. These phrases didn’t become automatic overnight, and unlearning them won’t happen overnight either. But if we practiced moralizing food, we can practice dismantling those narratives, too. And truly, we have nothing to lose by doing this. Let’s choose inclusive, compassionate, and affirming language instead. One meal, one conversation, one word at a time.
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