I don’t put nearly as much thought into food as I used to. Sure I now meal plan, browse recipes and enjoy cooking, but even with all that, I’m spending so much less time and effort focusing on what I eat. How is that even possible, right? Here are a few myths I used to believe that might explain it…
1. Calorie Counting Is Just a Way of Life. I seriously used to believe that everyone must count calories. How the heck did anyone really maintain or lose weight without assigning a numerical value to every morsel that entered their mouth? I prided myself on being able to eyeball calorie counts to an almost scary degree of accuracy and spent hours recording calories and/or macros into online food diaries. If I didn’t know a food’s count, I’d usually skip it. This led to me eating more processed/packaged foods because the calorie count was clearly displayed.
Now… most of the foods I eat don’t have nutrition labels and even when they do, I find myself going straight to the ingredient list instead of calorie count. It took years, but I slowly learned to embrace listening to how my body felt when eating certain foods. Ah,the mythical intuitive eating IS a real thing. I know now that I feel pretty awesome when I fill my plate with real food and try to eat in accordance with that as often as possible.
2. Food Is a Reward. I made it through finals! I deserve to eat an entire sub sub from Little Italy, an entire order of Pokey Sticks and a pitcher of cheap beer by myself because I earned it goshdarnit. Look, I ran! So now I’m going to down a pint of ice cream. I earned it. You get the point.
Now… I am pretty committed to food not being a reward for me or my girls. I found when I used food as a reward for myself, I’d end up obsessing over it, overindulging or putting certain foods up on a forbidden pedestal, only making me want them more. Now, if we want ice cream or a cheeseburger or a beer (me clearly, not the kiddos), we have it, but not because we earned it in anyway. Food is food. I make no difference in how I present broccoli with how I present a bowl of ice cream to Hailey. The ice cream just shows up a lot less often.
3. Healthy Eating is All of Nothing. I remember eating raw vegetables and grilled chicken breast (ew, flavorless much?) and being pretty proud of myself. Then I’d end up snagging a few bites of chips and onion dip and BAM. I had blown it. My skewed logic said it I was off the wagon, I might as well go all out and I’d stuff myself silly with dips, indulgences and desserts because the next day I’d have to be back on the healthy train. I’d end up uncomfortably stuffed and greasy feeling.
Now… I’m not going to spew the 80/20 rule all over you. There is a lot of logic to it, but my crazy mind would end up trying to do elaborate equations to figure if I’d gone over my 20% or not- haha. Now I am really in tune with my body and I truly eat whatever I want. Cringe, right? I remember people used to say that and behind my nodding head and smile I’d be thinking ‘sure, must be easy if all you want to eat is spinach and chia seeds!’’ Now that I’m here, I just want to shout BUT IT’S TRUE. Once I no longer viewed food as good or bad, once I really could tell a difference in how I felt when I ate or didn’t eat certain foods and once I learned how to cook real food in a tasty way, the rest just fell into place. Sure I overdo it now and then, but I’d say 95% of the time I feel good about my eating habits.
Healthy eating looks different to each person. For me, it’s about focusing on how food makes me feel. It took me years to reach this place and I am grateful I am here now. I feel healthy and I sure as heck don’t have time to be counting every calorie with two kids underfoot.
How has your definition of healthy eating evolved over the years?
What is a health myth you used to believe that you no longer do?
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
My life revolved around those rules as well until I became an Intuitive Eating Counselor! I had such a horrible relationship with food, reading the book really changed my life around and made me 100x happier (and healthier!)
Mrs Spb says
Great post. How do you manage now with two little people?! I have a toddler and an 8 week old. I meal plan and the toddler eats amazingly well – we did BLW too. I eat the same as him except I don’t actually eat it! I’ll be busy with the baby or by the time I sit down I’m not hungry anymore. Help!
Brittany Dixon says
Mine are 3 years and 5 months old now, which is a lot different than a toddler and an 8 week old- trust me! I felt the same way a month or two in, but it just keeps getting easier. I leaned on some convenience foods (pre-prepped veggies, nuts, freezer meals) to make sure I was eating healthy but FAST and slowly I found my way back to some Sunday food prep which helps a ton. Hang in there, you’ll see with each week it gets a little more manageable. And congrats, too, by the way!! 🙂
Mrs Spb says
Thanks for your reply! I was hoping to hear it gets easier, just all a bit overwhelming right now. Plus with breastfeeding I need good healthy food and lots of it! Will get some pre prepped veggies in I think 🙂
Lindsey @ SimplyLindsey says
I used to believe in #2 and #3 too! I focused on eating perfectly 100% of the time, so when I indulged once, I splurged the rest of the day (b/c I’d ruined that day’s eating). Now that I live/eat by the 80/20 principle, I think a lot less about food and one not so good food choice doesn’t de-rail my healthy eating. 🙂
Farah says
I love this blog so much! Love that what you write is so genuine and not constantly sponsored. I totally agree with everything in this post. I used to be obsessed with calories too, and also how many I burned on a treadmill or elliptical. Thanks for sharing!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks so much for the kind words Farah! 🙂 And yessss I remember staring at the number on the treadmill— miserable.
Brynn says
Oh calorie counting and fat free foods used to rule my world. Now I eat whole foods and enjoy myself with the mentality of everything in moderation.
Liv says
I’m in college and I load up lots of the good stuff when I can (fresh veggies, fruit, lean protein etc.) but I’m also okay to go out to ice cream with friends or share a giant skillet cookie every once in a while.
I used to think that the healthiest way to live was to eat as healthy or “clean” as possible, but I’ve realized that for me, it’s a lot mentally healthier and more fun to allow myself some treats, too!
Em says
I love this post. During college, I was never overweight, but I had about ten stubborn pounds that I was always trying to lose. I did everything I thought was “healthy.” I woke up at 5am every other day to attend Body Pump Classes. I ran 30 miles a week and walked as much as possible. Lean Cuisines and CarbMaster yogurt comprised the majority of my diet. I ate 5-6 small meals a day and very rarely indulged in anything that I deemed unhealthy. I was the person at brunch ordering poached eggs with a side of fruit and whole wheat toast with no butter.
I was so frustrated when my efforts culminated in little to no results. That’s when I made one of the scariest ( I know how stupid this sounds, but at the time it was) decisions of my life: I decided to let go of my “healthy living” mentality. I’ll never forget the next morning when I woke up and ate two fried eggs with a TABLESPOON of butter melted on top. For years, I had eaten oatmeal every.single.day not because I loved the taste, but because magazines and articles espoused its benefits. Eating my eggs was the turning point for me. I was so satisfied that I didn’t even reach for a snack until lunch.
My view on exercise followed the same transformation as my food perspective. I honestly hated the gym and cancelled my membership. I traded running for walking and pilates. I do a couple sprint sessions every month or so if I feel so inclined.
Oh, and those 10 pounds? They basically melted away, but I didn’t even notice because I was so satisfied, both mentally and physically. It wasn’t until I was weighed at a doctor’s appointment that I realized the weight had come off without me even trying. And surprisingly, I didn’t even care that much. I am at such a great spot with respect to diet and exercise, and I think some of the conventional wisdom that bombards us can do more harm than good.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I LOVE this. What a great story to share!
Brittany Dixon says
I agree with Parita- what a great story! I love stories like this because it shares that healthy eating/weight loss doesn’t have to be as hard as people think it is. Thank you for sharing!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
These are all SO TRUE! I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I’m working on my nutrition piece for Refresh. It is amazing how many myths we sometimes believe!
Alex says
I never really fell into the calorie counting trap because I quickly realized how time consuming it was and didn’t want any part of it – thank goodness! But I definitely went through a phase where if I ate one of my “off-limit” foods, I spiraled out of control for a few days. Now I eat whole, clean healthy eats the majority of the time so I don’t obsess when I want an extra piece or cornbread or some chocolate cake. Not categorizing food has helped immensely in overcoming this way of thinking.
Madeline @ FoodFitnessandFamily says
I still like to “treat” myself to fun things because I see that as a treat …. however, I don’t limit when I can have them so like you if I want a beer I have one haha.
Love this!
Ashley says
WoW! You sound just like me!! Life is so much better without obsessing over calorie counts!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
yes, Yes and YES! Especially #3. I ranted about this yesterday actually. About how I’d finally come to terms with how healthy eating doesn’t have to be a 100% time things (at least not for me) but I’ve had people calling me out on my choices -_-
I’m also still guilty of #2 sometimes, but I’m working on it!
christina says
I definitely go with the 80/20 rule…or actually the weekend rule, whatever percentage that works out to be, haha. During the week, I’m well behaved, but on the weekend I celebrate!
Heather says
This time around as I try to lose weight, I’m definitely less concerned with calories and focusing more on eating good foods and exercising regularly. Like you said, before when I counted calories I’d end up buying a lot more processed foods because the calories were clearly listed. Now, I want to focus on healthy portions and just good food. Plus, our whole family will benefit if the house has fewer processed foods in it. 😉 I’m also learning to not beat myself up if I do “cheat” while “dieting.” So I ate that chocolate bar – move on! It doesn’t mean I have to go overboard.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I used to believe all 3 of these as well, especially in college! But when I look back on those years, no one ever talked about ingredient lists, eating to fuel our bodies, etc. I’m just glad there’s been such a shift over the past few years!
And Little Italy’s subs were the best!!
Brittany Dixon says
You’re so right! No one every talked about food as fuel- what a difference it makes when you eat to FEEL energized. Takes the majority of the guess work out of healthy eating. And yes, I miss Little Italy at 2am 🙂
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
I hear ya! I used to count calories, but since having Ethan, ain’t nobody got time for that. He keeps me so busy though that I’m at my pre-preg weight without counting… and without giving up my love for ice cream and pizza. That kid never stops moving!!
Lauren Brennan says
Yes, yes, and yes! Nailed it.
Oh, and Little Italy and Pokey sticks- yum! 🙂
Jen says
Sooooooo true! I had so, so many food rules and believed I had to follow them perfectly in order to be healthy, but instead I ended up LESS healthy! I think something we forget is that healthy eating and exercise isn’t anywhere near the whole picture when it comes to health. Mental and emotional health, spiritual health, family and other social relationships, feeling like we belong, pursuing work in this life that fulfills us, all of that and more makes us healthy.
Elizabeth says
I was never fan of counting calories, but some of my friends are obsessed. But I do use some tools:
– MyFitnessPal to contact friends. Yes, some of them use MFP like Facebook 😉
– This http://happyforks.com to count nutrition. Not calorie and not track. Just to see vitamins, minerals, etc. of recipes from my favorite blogs (feature called Recipe Analyzer).
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I never liked the idea of calorie counting… When I lived in Los Angeles, it seemed that every other person I knew was doing a cleanse or had gone vegan in order to stay slim, and these tactics just seemed absurd to me.
I love food of all kinds. As I’ve gotten older and my body has grown less forgiving, I’ve learned that instead of adopting a cleanse or strict eating regimen, if I just try and focus on something simple: more fruits & veggies or less processed food, I feel and look better.
Thanks for prompting this great discussion! I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s responses as much as I enjoyed reading your post this morning!
Laura @FitMamaLove says
I used to be all about packaged “health” food. Low fat, fat free, sugar free, you name it! So glad I snapped out of that and now eat whole, real foods.
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
I can completely agree with this list! The reward one is still tough for me, but thats something to work on! I used to think food as good or bad and that REALLY messed my mind up.
Danica @ It's Progression says
These are great!
I went through a time, years ago, where I counted every, single calorie. that crossed my lips. And then, after doing that for a while, the idea of not doing it completely freaked me out. Looking back at that I can see how torturous that was! I could care less about calorie counts on anything now – the ingredients are always what matter!
Ashli says
Yes!!! I feel the same way! Although I was never really a calorie counter but I used to view “healthy” in a totally different way too! Now, I’m more concerned with quality of food, non GMO, and organic as much as possible. Not that every single thing I consume is that way…but I’m careful about what I buy! And checking the ingredient list! I have noticed a dramatic difference in the way I feel, I rarely get sick too, which is strange. I used to feel ill a lot. Whenever I would eat out at more of a chain or mainstream restaurant, my body would not react well. I probably eat more icecream than necessary, but I also believe in moderation! Great post!!!
Ashley says
Great post. What do you say when Hailey asks for ice cream? My son (3yrs.) eats very well, loves veggies. But he also loves sweets (of course). I call ice cream, candy etc. a “once in awhile treat.” But I also call other things treats, like a fruit we don’t have often (e.g. pineapple) so it isn’t just sweets. I’m struggling with this because I don’t want sweets to be ‘better’ because it’s limited. But I also can’t let him eat every piece of candy in his halloween bucket! Halloween candy season has already started and he asks for candy everyday now. I explain it is just a fun treat and not fuel for the body and we can have it sometimes.
Advice?????
Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t know the right way to handle this, but for us, Hailey doesn’t ask all that often because I don’t usually keep it in the house. If she does ask for chocolate, I’ll either give her a few dark chocolate chips or simply tell her we are out and we should buy some at the store next time- haha! (Oh man, we don’t have any chocolate. We’ll get some next time. Would you like X or Y instead?) I’m not sure H has a big sweet tooth though. As much as she loves cake and ice cream at birthday parties, she doesn’t really mention it much. School even gave her a few M&Ms and she opted to put them in her pocket and save them for later. Who knows!
I think it sounds like you’re doing pretty great if he is a good veggie eater! I love that you call it a once in a while food. If it were me, I’d also explain to Hailey that too much chocolate or sugar will make her tummy hurt. And honestly, I might even let her overdo it once. Your son may surprise you and cut himself off if he knows he is in control?
Overall, I think it sounds like you’re doing a great job! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks! I love that she brought home her M&Ms!
Tracy says
One thing I’ve learned after years of restrictive eating, is that eating something unhealthy (sugar or carb-laden, or highly-processed) that makes me feel badly is not a “treat.” It’s really just the opposite. A real treat is giving my body healthy, delicious food that fuels my body and lifts my mood.
Jo says
I still use coffee as a “reward.” Made it through the grocery store, Costco and the mall with the baby and now he’s soundly sleeping in his car seat? Starbucks drive through for mom! I’m hoping as my son grows up not to fall into the food as a reward cycle but it is something that worries me because in so many ways it is part of our culture (grocery stores that give children cookies, doctor’s offices that give lollipops etc.)
Brittany Dixon says
You are so right- it is definitely propagated by our culture. I love when I see the doctor give out stickers instead. I hope more ‘treats’ turn into stickers, rings, etc.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Awesome post, Brittany! I can relate to every single one of these. I have recently stopped counting calories and it is SO freeing. I have also found the 80/20 rule to be really helpful for me. Treats every now and then are a MUST for my sanity 😉
Katie says
A big one for me was “fat makes you fat”. Lean Cuisines, low/no fat everything and wasn’t losing any weight. Now, I love me some fat and without it, it’s difficult to stay satisfied. I think what really drove this home for me was doing a Whole30 a year ago (I know this is an extremely restrictive way of eating and after I completed I returned to my normal, whole foods, non-paleo way of living ;). The month is very high in healthy fats but very low in carbs- no processed carbs whatsoever. I definitely lost weight and though I didn’t feel that different from my normal eating, it really drove home the point that fat is not bad for you!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve played around with doing the Whole30, just to see what it’s like. I’m thinking January, but really don’t want to give up wine for an entire month. HA. Is that bad?
Did you do the Whole30 as prescribed?
Katie says
I did do it as prescribed. I decided to do it b/c I was just feeling “blah” all around and needed something to kickstart my eating and get me back on track nutritionally. I have a bunch of thoughts about doing it but I’ll try to be concise! I had seen so many people saying how awesome they felt on it. While I felt good, I didn’t feel that different from my normal style of eating, which I gave myself a pat on the back for- I didn’t eat much crap to begin with so the switch to all whole foods for an entire month wasn’t that drastic (I feel you’d probably find that too based on your blog!). Second- I like vegetarian meals and usually eat them 3-4x a week for dinner and more often for lunch. This is not doable on the Whole30, meat is pretty much a requirement if you don’t want to go hungry. I told my husband- I’m eating SO MUCH MEAT and I did’t love that. This also caused it to be a bit expensive- quality meat = $$! Breakfast was the hardest meal for me as I usually enjoy oatmeal or eggs WITH cheese. No wine was sort of difficult but the most difficult time during the month was attending a wedding and not being able to have the cake!!! (Wedding cake is pretty much my favorite indulgence ever) 😉
Despite my issues with it, I think it was still a worthy experiment and it really did help me to see and feel how beneficial healthy fat is to a diet. And to realize I could never be a vegan b/c GIVE ME ALL THE CHEESE. 😉
Georgie says
Wow! This is amazing and resonates so much (with I’m sure a lot of people.)
I feel like everyone has to go through their crazy rules to learn how to break them, I’m just so glad I did!
The food as a reward/punishment is so huge and it’s something I can learn to teach my own kids one day (a long time from now ;P)
Julie says
OMG all these things! I am so grateful that I too have “turned the corner” & gotten out of these ways of thinking. I still struggle a bit w/ calculating fat grams, but I’ve gotten much better about eating healthy fats & knowing that’s ok. I also love to exercise & have to really make an effort not to overdo it. I’ve gotten much better about taking rest days & letting go of the mentality that workouts always have to be “balls to the wall”. Now I focus on workouts I enjoy & don’t worry so much about the length of time or intensity.
Maria says
Pokey sticks! I cannot believe your college also had Pokey Sticks! Gumby’s Pizza was our late night study break and they delivered until 3am. Good times, VA Tech. Good times.
Speaking of college, I was “good” (I don’t believe in being good or bad when it comes to eating anymore) all week and whenever I aced a paper or test, it was off to Au Bain Pain for a cheese danish and a turkey bacon sandwich. Unfortunately for my healthy eating habits, I made a lot of A’s in college – who wouldn’t when there was a danish on the line? 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I thought Pokey Sticks were just a Georgia thing! Think, we were bonding over 3am Pokey sticks years ago without even knowing it 😉
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
I still deal with these rules, sadly. Some weeks are better than others, but I just have such an awful relationship with food that it’s hard to get rid of or ignore the rules. I am getting better, though… and hopefully soon, I can join your “no rule” rank!! 🙂 Really great post!
char eats greens says
I swear mine has evolved in a similar fashion. I used to think calorie counting was the secret to being happy and eating “right”. WRONG. When I stopped counting calories, started enjoying and eating the right foods for me, I became so much happier and actually liked my body. Funny how that works eh? Great post 🙂
Tammy says
Great Triggering post. You and all your HLB’s and your healthy, clean, eating. So disordered.
She Rocks Fitness says
This is so awesome and well said! I think I was guilty of all of these myths as well…I have gotten a lot better, but it took time and patience and learning to listen to my body. It is freeing though when you get to that point…and YES to cheeseburgers and wine and cupcakes…Just not all the time, but gosh darn they are such an awesome treat. 🙂
Kate says
Love this!! Resonated SO much with me–especially number 3. I used to just declare the day a “go crazy and binge” day when I “slipped-up” a tiny bit and let myself indulge. So disordered and unhealthy because food should just be seen as food and not “good” or “bad”
Thank you for this post!
marleen says
I used to believe all these kinds of healthy eating myths as well. I am glad that the both of us have relaxed a bit and found balance with our eating.