Checks and Balances
I am interested in balance in this world. Checks and balances. And I recognize that balance implies fluidity. Sometimes, there will be imbalance before balance is established. Sometimes, imbalance is regarded as the norm.
I am talking about social justice issues. Racism. Sexism. Weight stigma and oppression. Gender oppression. Patriarchy. Ableism. Ageism.
These are issues that deserve balance, but will demand the rising of consciousness and energy and effort of us all. I’m learning more and listening. And we need a collective rising to make change. Balance here is a wish that I hope will be granted. And we need a hell of a lot more than hope and wishes.
Fortunately, with regard to food, or at least attitude about it, balance is achievable.
And I hate using the word balance to describe food because it implies some judgment about food being good or bad. That some foods are health-promoting, while others are harmful. I’m not looking to suggest that cake is the same as salmon or kale or quinoa. That’s false. But what is NOT false is that all foods can fit. No food will do you grave harm, barring an allergy. Fact. Some foods provide more antioxidants or nutrients than others, but ALL FOOD IS GOOD FOOD. Some may be considered conventionally ‘heathy,’ but when was the last time you asked who decided what that was?
So the next time you think about balance, think about the fact that to establish balance, to have an awareness of what it is, implies imbalance, too.
We can fight for social justice and food and body freedom at the same time. They are inexorably linked.
I’m in.
Join me?
