If you look up the word “diet” in any dictionary or search engine, there are many different definitions. When you go ask any random person what the word “diet” means, you will likely get a response that has to do with weight loss.
In my world, “diet” is a four-letter word, just like our favorite expletive. I can’t stand how everyone just associates the word “diet” with losing weight. I feel like “diet” has a giant storm cloud looming over it, pouring out negative associations like “quick fix” or “shortcut to health” when for a lot of people, it’s a necessity to eat the way they do, and there aren’t any cheat days.
I live with multiple food allergies. Five of the top eight most common food allergy foods, actually. I avoid all dairy, eggs, gluten, peanuts and soy like they are the modern-day plague. Thankfully, my allergic reaction doesn’t cause anaphylactic shock, but my esophagus will swell, I will be in excruciating pain, and if I can’t calm my reaction on my own, I’ll have to head to the hospital. I’m not going to lie, before my journey with food allergies started, I was one of the people who just associated this word with weight loss.
When I meet someone new, it often involves food. It’s no secret that most cultures revolve around food or meal time. When I tell someone I can’t eat something, they usually respond with, “Oh, are you trying to lose weight?” First of all, I personally don’t think I need to lose any weight. I’m fairly comfortable and confident with myself. And second, I’m slightly offended that you either think that I should lose weight or you think that I think I need to lose weight.
A quick Google search told me that the word “diet” has a Greek origin with a meaning translated to “a way of life.” If something is a way of life, why are we constantly starting and stopping these diets? Why is there a new type of diet so heavily promoted every six months that it clogs our social media feeds? Just because something works for you, doesn’t mean it will work for the mom, teacher, office assistant, or boss lady next door. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine! Our bodies are all so different, and that’s what makes humans special.
I used to look at my food allergies as a curse. Did you see what all I can’t eat above? That stuff is in pretty much everything. Now, I am thankful for my allergies because over the last seven years, they have taught me so much about food and health in general. Honestly, I really doubt I would have learned as much as I have about food and health if I didn’t have my allergies.
My husband is the greatest. He’s watched my battle with food allergies since day one because they all started during our relationship. He often looks out for me when people are trying to make group plans, or for larger work or social events, he is always sure to speak with either the event coordinator or kitchen staff. This is most helpful to me because my anxiety is already on high alert. And also a shoutout to the family members who always run ingredients by me before big family events. The last thing I want to do is have an allergic reaction and cause a scene.
I’m all for you sticking to a diet if it makes you feel and be the best version of yourself, but I think the word you might want to consider using now is “lifestyle.”
Obviously, the word “diet” isn’t leaving our vocabulary anytime soon. But can we be a little more aware that it’s not just a weight loss term? What are your thoughts?
You can follow along with Claire and all her motherhood adventures on Instagram @daytodayclaire.