Our generation is at a divide. We are torn between common sense and societal standards.
“Don’t smoke and cut the cigarettes.” All the while, e-cigs and Juuls have swept over the nation.
“Embrace who you are and what you believe, but only share what is considered politically correct.”
“Love your body, in all forms of flaws and imperfections, yet use this app to make your Instagram photo look like one from a magazine.”
Body positivity has been a movement gradually making its way to the masses. Several ad campaigns, such as Aerie’s hashtag #AerieREAL, teaches consumers to ignore the Photoshop and the unrealistic expectations of bodies. Instead of picking yourself apart, they preach to enjoy your life and to look however you want to look. Alongside this powerful movement, and one that is slowly coming into the spotlight, is food freedom.
Food freedom is simple; it is whatever you make it to be. There is no clear cut definition, and several influencers are trying to make this point widely known. Food freedom to you can be different than it is to me. Food freedom can be the moments of having an “untracked” meal and genuinely not caring. It can also mean eating more food than you have in the past to properly fuel and nourish your body. Food freedom is cutting any mental bonds that have warped our minds by society and the lust to look a different way.
The beauty of the battle is that it is different for everyone, so each person has their own unique victory. The first step in achieving these victories is self awareness. Why do you struggle with binge eating? Under eating? That gut wrenching regret when you had a dessert at the banquet or event?
Feeling remorse for living life should not be a thing. Eat the cake. But also, eat the salad. Remember that life is a balance, and while it is hard to get outside of your head, see your worth. See that life is more than an Instagram photo or the size on a pair of pants. Use food freedom for the better. Use it to overcome the mental voices, telling you you aren’t good enough and that certain food will get you to the right “level.”
So next time you go out to eat, get what you want. Next time you’re at home, cook the meal instead of going to a fast food restaurant. Step out from the societal norm of “fitting in.” Live a well-balanced lifestyle. This includes avoiding and taking in all of the contradictions. But that is exactly what it is. Eat unhealthy food–don’t feel guilty. Eat healthy food–to nourish and enrich your body. Break away from, “I can’t have that,” and “I’m not hungry (even when you’re starving).” A healthy diet and regular exercise will get you further than any editing app or any detox tea fad. Practice food freedom and acknowledge the little victories. They will pop up at least a million times, and you just might miss them if you aren’t careful.