You Are Allowed
SHAME (noun)
a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.
GUILT (noun)
Feeling responsible or regretful for a perceived offense, real or imaginary.
We’ve all likely felt guilty and shameful in the context of being human. They are real experiences. But they have NO place in your experiences with food.
It is never morally wrong or foolish to eat.
What you eat is not offensive. Period.
When I hear the words guilt and shame related to food, I get very curious. I’d encourage you to be similarly inquisitive.
Is the feeling of guilt/shame your own? Or based on someone else’s story?
Is it coming from a diet culture message that places moral judgement on food choices?
How does the feeding of guilt or shame effect your eating experience? (It does. and only negatively.) this is not up for debate.
How would giving yourself permission to eat change your experiences of shame? Of guilt?
Would you suggest that someone else feel shame/guilt for eating in the same way?
You are allowed to eat.
You are allowed to enjoy.
You are allowed to celebrate with food.
You are allowed to use food to support you in coping.
You are allowed.
