Linguistics, or how we talk about food, profoundly impacts our feelings about eating it. The goal is to eventually, build a neutral lens toward food. However, diet culture remains a prominent factor in most dancers’ struggles with eating.
Despite what’s commonly encountered in the New Year, redefining your approach to nourishment is one of the most powerful things you can do. The work begins with dismantling restrictive language. This article explores linguistic shifts and breaks down common food-related terms to create a more freeing and enjoyable mealtime experience.
Why Does Language Matter?
Our words influence how we view food. Ultimately, this impacts our experiences with it. For example, if we constantly describe food as a “guilty pleasure,” we subconsciously attach negative emotions to it, which can create anxiety and shame. On the other hand, words that promote inclusion and abundance foster a sense of ease around food— more trust and satisfaction. Let’s dive into the most common language shifts to consider.
#1: Moderation vs. Permission
The concept of moderation is often seen as the golden rule for eating, but it’s not as helpful as it seems. Moderation typically implies that there’s a limit— a boundary that we must adhere to. While limits may seem necessary to avoid overdoing it, they also trigger the brain’s reward response in ways that can make us more fixated on food. Feelings of deprivation persist, eventually manifesting as “over”eating or binge eating.
A more empowering approach is to think in terms of permission. You reclaim the control to decide how much, what, and when to eat. Rather than focusing on limitations, ask yourself: “What would feel good to eat right now?” This shift allows you to trust your body’s cues and engage in a more mindful— or in some instances— proactive experiences.
#2: “Guilt-Free”
The term “guilt-free” exemplifies how diet culture moralizes food. When we call something “guilt-free,” we subconsciously attach a sense of wrongdoing. The same goes for the phrase “guilty pleasure.”
Food, in itself, is not a moral issue. Eating food should not come with shame— guilt is certainly not an ingredient. Ask yourself: Did you steal food? Did you harm someone by eating it? If not, there’s no reason to feel guilty. The bonus? Detaching this moral value from food sets you up to honor fullness and avoid the “all-or-nothing” mindset.
#3: “Healthy” vs. “Unhealthy”
One of the most confusing nutrition myths is the idea that certain foods are inherently “unhealthy.” Every food, whether a green smoothie or a slice of pizza can contribute positively or negatively to health, depending on the context. For example, one dancer might be allergic to strawberries. In that case, strawberries would be an unhealthy food for this dancer to eat. Case in point? The only inherently unhealthy foods are the ones that cause allergic reactions or are spoiled.
Labeling foods as “healthy” or “unhealthy” creates a false dichotomy, reinforcing feelings of guilt or shame when we eat what we consider to be “wrong” or “bad.” A few swaps? Descriptors like nourishing, sustaining, energizing, and satisfying are a start.
#4: “Toxic”
Unless a food is spoiled or rancid, it’s not toxic. All ingredients are chemical compounds— even the ingredients that make up “natural” foods. Even water is made up chemical compounds (hydrogen and oxygen). Formaldehyde is another example, found naturally in many fruits and veggies.
We can all agree that water and produce aren’t “toxic.” The key here is dose— anything can harmful when consumed in extreme amounts. . Moderation is important, but again, it’s about permission— not restriction. Moderation happens naturally when we’re prioritizing an otherwise balanced and varied diet— one that includes a vast array of options.
#5: “Addictive”
Feelings of food (or sugar) addiction are very much a valid experience. However, addiction isn’t the right term. Associating certain foods with comfort or pleasure, and then restricting access to them, builds obsession. If you feel “addicted” to a specific food, it might actually be a sign that your body is craving more access to it. Click here to learn more about food addiction.
#6: “Junk Food”
The term “junk food” is often used to describe foods that are deemed unhealthy or indulgent. Instead of using terms that devalue food, focus on its nutritional value or emotional contribution— yes, whether a veggie-packed salad or a chocolate chip cookie. Using the term “fun foods” helps to build a more positive experience.
#7: “Cheat Meals”
“Cheat meal” implies that eating certain foods is wrong or dishonest. It suggests that you’re doing something you shouldn’t be doing, which sets you up for feelings of guilt and shame. Spoiler: you never need to “cheat” at mealtimes. Food is not a moral issue— it’s nourishment, and it should be enjoyed without the burden of “right” or “wrong” attached.
#8: “Indulgence”
When we talk about “indulging” in food, it implies we’re giving in to temptation— something we should normally hold back from. But in reality, there is much worse we can be doing than eating foods typically deemed richer, fun, or more festive. You have permission to enjoy all foods— recognize this as enjoyment, not wrongdoing. Focus on the experience of eating and savoring the food. This helps to relinquish guilt and shame, allowing you to enjoy without falling into compulsive eating patterns.
Key Takeaways
Eating “better” (or “healthier”) isn’t about finding the “perfect” food—it’s about cultivating a supportive relationship with it. The language we use around food directly impacts how we feel about it, how we approach it, and how our bodies respond to it. By embracing a language of inclusion, permission, and enjoyment, we can begin to heal our relationship with food and our bodies.
