Stop Diet Shaming
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Stop Diet Shaming

So, I don't eat bread? You got a problem with it?

306
Stop Diet Shaming
Photo by Fancycrave on Unsplash

This past January, I decided to make a major life adjustment. Yet, it wasn't the kind of situation where I experienced some "AHA moment" or encountered some huge revelation about life (although I wish I could say that I did.) In fact, I'm still in the midst of working through this transition and I face new and recurring challenges regularly. Adopting this lifestyle (yes, it is an entire lifestyle) of a gluten-free diet has inevitably imposed on me a new relationship with food and an enhanced appreciation for Whole Foods and Wegmans.

Before deciding to eliminate three of the food groups that consistently comprised my diet (pizza, pasta, and bagels), I'll admit that I used to be a tad skeptical of those who restricted themselves of such delicious foods! I often thought that there was no use in dieting, and that those who did were merely dramatic and neurotic about losing weight. I now recognize that sometimes certain diets benefit certain body types and restrictive diets can actually be of aid to your body. For example, a gluten-free diet has been said to help reduce inflammation, promote better digestion, improve energy levels, and sometimes even boost weight loss!

I'm not writing this article to convince you that becoming gluten-free is the be-all and end-all of dieting, because it certainly isn't for everyone. I am merely hoping to stimulate some thought on how people, and specifically my generation, react to dietary restrictions and needs. I've been in too many conversations, and, shamefully, may have even initiated some, where a judgmental joke is made about vegetarians or vegans. And let's face it, we've all probably laughed out loud and/or shared with our friends the classic memes about vegans that populate our Instagram and Twitter feeds. But after tagging along with new friends to a restaurant where they ordered a couple trays of pizza, and awkwardly pretending to check my phone as they chowed down on what used to be my favorite meal, and then receiving pity glances and cheese-filled smiles, I realized how unaccepting of dietary decisions our society really is. The only time people truly expect (and accept) you to restrict yourself of food is when it is a life or death situation!

So, moral of the story is that diets can be useful! And they can be even more beneficial when they're socially accepted! I'll confess, our society has advanced considerably in this area. In fact, I think more than half of the restaurants on Arthur Avenue offer gluten-free options! But as with most things in our society, we've still got some work to do. Feeling embarrassed has been half the battle of my new lifestyle, so I'd like to encourage the rest of the public to have an open mind about dieting and do the research before you diet shame!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43635
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27447
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952323
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

147520
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments