We live in a society where we have the privilege to pick our food, enjoy our food and change our diets based on our needs. For the most part we no longer have to eat food just as fuel, just shovel it down to fill you up until the next meal. In this 21st century people have more knowledge about food than ever before, and we have it all at our finger tips. This can be seen as positive, or negative.
In general Americans have more 'down/leisure' time than ever before. This time has been used by many to experiment with foods and different diets. That is a positive (knowledge is power). The negative aspect comes a long when people spend so much of their time and energy on food that they become obsessed. Now eating disorders can be a result of this, but that is not what I want to address. I want to address the peoples who get so intense about food, they become very critical and intense.
I like to take joy in my food. I like to plan meals, chop, cook, smell the wonderful aromas and relax by enjoying my meal. It really gets to me when people spend so much time dissecting their food that they cannot enjoy it. Then these individuals in question spread their dissecting ways onto others, and imply that their way of eating is 'wrong'. Quite frankly, this pisses me off.
If you do not think that people should eat X, then fine don't eat X. If someone asks you for advice or casually mentions X then it is polite to share your opinion. Butting in is not cool or appreciated. Yes some people need food interventions, but most of the time it is not your place to suggest such a thing. Food is complicated.
I am a huge advocate of making food your medicine. I am all for a diet high in fruits, veggies and beans. I do nutrition research to some degree on a daily basis and I have for years. I enjoy nutrition and seeing how my body reacts to different ways of eating. I do not believe that humans need much grain in their diets at all. I am not a fan of dairy products. I admit that I do cringe when I hear that people still eat Pop Tarts and drink soda with no intent of stopping. Yet I know that it does not put me in a position to overtly judge others eating habits.
Who the freak cares what other eat? Unless they are a diabetic gorging on Snickers bars, obese and wont admit they have a problem or something along the line, it is hard for me to see why it matters what other people eat.
Focus on your own body. If you want to be critical, maybe harvest some of that energy into your life style in the form of motivation to improve your habits. Everyone is on their own path. The path also includes their food choices. If you do not know all of the circumstances surrounding someones food decisions, then back off.
And most importantly, remember to take pleasure in your eating. Do not be too hard on yourself and remember, you know your body best(as opposed to the biggest online health guru).
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