Food is love, food is life, right? Nothing is better than sitting down in preparation for the perfect meal you've anticipated after a long day. Even if it's not as extravagant as chicken cordon bleu, it may be as simple as Ramen noodles-- especially if you are a college student on a budget. That being said, food can either benefit, or harm your body. What choice do you choose?

When I tell people I'm on a diet, they seem to forget that I react this way whenever I see food:

The word "diet" doesn't necessarily mean that I don't like food, or that my relationship with food itself has strained. In fact, I love food. About 90% of my conversations a day involve food and me voicing how much I love (insert food item) or how I can't wait to go get (insert current restaurant craving).

In reality, this is me whenever I finally sit down to have a meal:

Food is good! Right?

But we deserve the best.

Diets, aren't always about weight:

It's not always about insecurities, it's not always about weight. It's a simple step to feel better and taking control of what you are putting into your system. If it is about weight, there's no shame in saying you are on a diet. It's a journey you are choosing to take for yourself.

We strive for goals, we constantly aim for these heights for social gain in our lives and we forget about...well, us. We forget that we have control over what goes into our bodies, we forget to take care of ourselves when we should be pampering and loving who we are.

Also, what I may choose may not comply with what you choose. Whether it's to take out carbs and sugars, or count calories-- that's beyond the point. It's about YOU. It's about you doing what makes you feel best, treating your body with what it deserves. Whether you feel healthiest with eating all meat, or all vegetables, paleo, keto. Whatever it may be, never feel ashamed of that or like you may be less than anyone else. You are taking the steps to bettering yourself and trying new things, there is nothing wrong with that.

Just remember, food isn't an enemy, it's something to nourish and replenish your energy with. Also remember, that you deserve the best options as you strive for your goals and to treat yourself so that you are well.

I may choose to not eat carbs, that doesn't mean I don't have an occasional taco, or chocolate chip cookie. When I eat those in quantities, I feel sluggish, like I can't do much, my energy becomes drained.

We all deserve much better than that. We deserve to feel our best and be who we are, and to most importantly, continue loving our relationship with food.