Why We Need to Stop Diet Shamming

You may have noticed others making fun of, or mocking the concepts of "Non-GMO", "Organic", "Gluten-free", "Vegan" or many other things similar. As someone who believes in the power of nutrition to cure and prevent disease as well as someone who knows many who have severe intolerances to certain foods, I find this behavior extremely offensive.

We are given many choices in this life. Many of our choices are heavily influenced by environmental factors yet you get one choice every single day that is 100% up to you. What you eat. I understand that some have more access to healthier options than others but ultimately you are the one who decides what goes on your fork or spoon.

Many of you are aware that I was vegetarian for almost 6 years. I did so for personal health reasons and the fact that I didn't care for the taste of red meat. To this day, I still do not eat red meat but that is my choice and I am not saying that everyone should have to give red meat up. So, you can imagine that I might grow a little irritated with those who make fun of vegetarians or vegans.

I like to use vegans as an example for many things mostly because I am fascinated by what they do. If you have ever talked to a vegan you will quickly discover that they are extremely passionate about being a vegan. Some are very kind about their life-style decision and offer help and information when you ask for it. They may even offer to cook for you. Then there are others who are very aggressive in sharing their beliefs and condemn others who are not vegan. This behavior in my opinion is just as wrong as someone making fun of someone else for being vegan. What I would like to address is how vegans are extremely creative people. In all honesty, the meals I have had cooked by vegans are some of the best dishes I have ever enjoyed. They are so limited on what they can use that their pallets become incredible. I think vegans are a great example of how we all should be more passionate and informed about our nutrition choices.

If you have ever tried being vegan you can understand how difficult it is. This is true for those who choose to be vegetarian or avoid certain things like soy, dairy, or gluten because their bodies reject it.

But Brittney they are just saying that to get attention.

I don't think someone breaking out into hives, lacking the ability to breathe, or swelling up is asking for attention. Yes, some reactions are not that severe but why should anyone have to put something into their body if their body rejects it in the slightest way? For instance, I have a dairy intolerance. When people find this out they usually give me a disgusted look, "You can't have ice cream?!" No, I can have ice cream thanks to coconut milk and almond milk ice cream. Then I get the famous, "Don't they make those things you can take before ingesting dairy so you can have it?" Yes, they do but again, why would I put something into my body if my body rejects it?

Bottom line is your health is up to you. If you think that avoiding certain foods or incorporating certain foods into your diet makes you feel your best than do exactly that. Don't let other's bring you down. Its your choice.

-xxoo Britt