I think I need a serious intervention…
I’ve been eating bananas like it’s my job lately. Between tossing them in oats, enjoying them with almond butter, and munching on frozen chunks straight from the freezer, I probably average around 3 bananas a day – not bad for someone who used to be afraid of the happy yellow fruit…
It’s true. I went through a good handful of years where I eliminated bananas from my diet completely. Then, after re-introducing them, I was afraid to eat more than half a day. Why? Because of the sugar; because of the carbs; because of the condemnation they received from the diet industry. I’m sure you’ve all heard some of the gems that litter a banana’s rap sheet – high GI, weight gain, stored as fat – nasty phrases that terrified my impressionable, and at the time very disordered, mind.
So I avoided what is probably one of the most delicious and versatile fruits (imho), and stuck to the recommended berries and apples instead – fruits that are tasty and nutritious in their own right, but they’re still no bananas…
I can’t even tell you how many food rules I’ve fallen victim to over the years. Eat this, don’t eat that. Do this, don’t do that. Eat this, but not at that time. Oi. At some point, my life was so governed by rules, that I couldn’t even think about food without getting completely overwhelmed by anxiety – afraid that I would “slip up” somewhere and my whole world would fall apart as a result. Sad but true.
Thankfully, those times are a thing of the past. Recovery forced me to break all the rules and see with my own two eyes that nothing bad happened as a result. Quite the opposite, actually – the more rules I broke, the happier and healthier I became. I ate more carbs and felt more energetic. I ate before bed and was actually able to sleep. I stopped micromanaging my diet and my body [eventually] took over and did just fine. I broke all the rules and lived to tell the tale, which is probably why I can’t stand absolute statements when it comes to how I should eat…
You know the statements I’m talking about – the ones that take on the “if X, then Y” formula. If you eat fat, you will gain weight. If you eat carbs, you will gain weight. If you eat spicy food, you will lose weight. Basically, if X, then for damn sure Y.
No. Sorry. It doesn’t work that way – there are almost no absolute statements you can make when it comes to health and nutrition; no “if Xs, then Ys.” You can say that you may experience whatever Y happens to be, but it’s never a guarantee. Why? Because we’re all different, and what works for some won’t work for others. And because health is a big picture – a collection of habits performed over time. I find that we tend to get too caught up in individual events and minuscule details, giving too much weight to those and ignoring the bigger picture as a result. No one thing will break your health, just like no one thing will make it… there are just too many confounding factors to consider.
You can gain weight eating 100% clean, just like you can lose weight eating nothing but junk food. Believe me – I’ve done both. A cookie won’t go straight to your hips, nor will drinking green tea magically shed the poundage. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t pay any attention to how you eat, but try not to get too caught up in all the food rules and feel like you have to adhere to each one – they’re not written in stone and treating them like they are usually ends up being detrimental to your health. Create your own rules from your own experiences and follow those.
Now excuse me while I go munch on another banana 😉
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What’s a common food rule that you know doesn’t work for you?
What’s one of your food rules?
At the peak of my obsession with calorie counting, I was SO afraid of bananas! I would always look to other fruits that would give me more “bang for my buck” or in other words, something I would give me more bites for the calories, but geez, sometimes I just wanted a dang banana! I also got SO caught up in label-reading that I would get so anxious while grocery shopping that it would take me HOURS to pick up only a few items. And heaven forbid I eat something that was overly processed, contained hydrogenated oils, HFCS, or any of the other “forbidden/definitely going to kill you someday” ingredients! I would feel SO guilty if I didn’t buy organic this or GMO-free that…I really started to hate eating for a while. But as I gave up calorie counting and started “allowing” myself to look at everything unilaterally, things started to look up. Now that the trust I have in myself with food has come back, the anxiety has left, the binges have subsided, and I think I’m finally starting to see some balance in my life! I still look at labels because I care about what I’m putting in my body, but I definitely don’t obsess about it like I used to. And you know what, JIF’s extra crunchy peanut butter (which contains partially hydrogenated oil) is pretty damn good! 😀
That’s so great to hear, girlie! I definitely had a hard time not going overboard with certain foods when I labelled them as off-limits too. But I’ve found the same thing – stop seeing them as forbidden and I felt less compelled to rebel against that restriction. It’s like you only want what you can’t have, and once you can have it, it’s not such a big deal anymore.
Hi! I just found your blog and I love it! Especially this post, which I found at exactly the right time. I recovered from the worst of my ED about two years ago, but over the last few weeks I’ve felt myself slipping back into old habits (weighing, calorie counting, thoughts about restriction). Your post and everyone’s comments were a reminder that none of those rules get me where I want to be so I’m going to continue to be vigilant in fighting off those thoughts that have resurfaced.
I think following food rules must be exhausting, emotionally and physically. You need those carbs for energy.
I originally started my #publicbanana campaign because a coworker told me you shouldn’t eat bananas in public and I think that’s ridiculous. I didn’t realize the health industry vilified bananas so you’ve just given me another reason to continue with my #publicbanana eating ways. You should join the movement.
I don’t really have food rules so to speak. I generally eat what I want, when I want, but if I’m eating something like a bag of chips or a plate of cookies, I try to take a portion and put the rest away. It allows me to practice some semblance of self control. Although if I’m eating Dill Pickle potato chips (one of the reasons I love Canada), then all bets are off. Bring on the bag.
Damn girl. 3 bananies a day is stellar! I usually only have one. Do you eat them all the same way? Plain? I do 1 apple, 1 banana, and 1 peach usually.
Nope! Not always the same. Sometimes in oats, sometimes frozen, sometimes with AB, sometimes with yogurt… just depends what I’m in the mood for 🙂
agreed it’s all about learning what works for you and your body!! It took me a very long time to get away from sad mindset I learned as a kid in a home that feared calories and fat, but now I try to focus on what makes me feel good and what my body is craving.
“No one thing will break your health, just like no one thing will make it… there are just too many confounding factors to consider.”
Wow Amanda, these are some realllyyy well written thoughts! I agree with everything you said although sometimes it’s just too hard to believe it to be true! We’re just so used to cause and effect in general that it’s not easy to shake it off. But I agree that it’s never a guarantee, and perhaps what works for someone doesn’t work for me. 😀
I’ve fallen down many rule making rabbit holes. But as soon as I break them, I tend to feel happier, freer and healthier. (maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’m able to enjoy life?)
One thing I do know, making rules is a stress-induced activity for me. If I feel guilty or out of control regulating things I can control is (an often unhealthy) coping mechanism.
But yeah, my rule: never let anyone make you feel bad about eating fruit. Ever. Fruit is always a good idea. Don’t care what anybody says.
Once again you’ve artfully articulated what I’ve been thinking/feeling! Have an awesome week Amanda.
How about the “White bread will make you fat” rule? Umm…excuse me? Sometimes, I enjoy a good baguette with butter, or italian bread served hot at a restaurant with butter. Plus, if my stomach isn’t feeling the fiber, I go for white bread. And am I fat? NO!
My food rule (just typed rool….) is that dessert, or at least a snack, should be eaten every night. And no going to bed hungry!! Oh…and coffee every morning 😉
AWESOME post!!!
I so agree – we are all so very different in processing food (the tangible-for stomach and intagible-for soul) that what works for one might not work for another and vice vesa!
I have had peeps tell me to cut down on avocados as they are high in fat! I LOVE avocados! I could eat them for every single meal! Cutting them out of my day leaves me hungry and hollow! 🙁
So I try my best to listen to my body and to try and incorporate veggies and fruits AND desserts which satisfy my stomach and soul 🙂
Oh hell yes, could not agree with this more. That was why I did my super conscious living thing so that I could actually just listen to my body and decide for me, rather than taking notice of all the ‘rules’ out there!
I ate so many bananas I currently have no banana cravings at all :/
Carbs are bad. They should be avoided like the plague. Yeah, right… On a mostly carb-based diet (not planned, that’s just what I crave) I am nowhere near the size of a whale. And sometimes when I wake up at 2-3 am and can’t go back to sleep, I break one of the most important rules of healthy (who says?) eating. I have breakfast, go back to bed and sleep until the morning.
Applying the same rules to everyone is stupid. Better ignore all the fads and just listen to your body.
I feel/look my best on a heavier carb diet as well. Each time I try to cut them out, I end up regretting it big time later. And since I wake up crazy early, there are times where I pull the whole get out of bed, have breakfast, muddle around for a bit, and go back to sleep. It’s all about doing what works 🙂
I am totally with you on the rules. The not eating after a 8pm? is crazy. One shoe doesn’t fit all. I work until 11 at night so I need to eat more in the evening to keep my energy up! Its aboslutely crazy the number of rules out that and even more scary tht I actually fall victum to them. However you did bring to my attention that I can’t remember when I ate a banana last…. Need to change that.
I don’t think I could manage life without my bananas!
I’m glad that you continually push the positive message of eating what works for you, listening to your body and not the media, and just eating for the sheer pleasure of it 🙂 So much of what is out there today is disordered eating under the guise of “healthy” and every time you do a post like this it’s such a positive little stand for the way we should truly live!
Amanda, you know I am right there with ya with the obsession with frozen bananas! Only way to eat them in my opinion! 🙂
I love bananas too. Even during my disordered days, I still ate them. I ate low fat everything, ate as little carbs as possible, and went hungry half the day, but I still let myself have my beloved bananas. Now that’s true love, lol!
Bananas aside though, this is an awesome post! Food rules are so silly – like who comes up with them anyways? I know that the not eating after 7 pm rule definitely doesn’t work for me. I almost always need a snack before bed! Also the low carb diet doesn’t work for me either. I don’t feel satisfied at meals unless I have a grain or potato!
I remember you mentioning that, and I’m the same exact way. I know that proteins and fats are “supposed” to fill you up, but there’s no way I’m satisfied unless I have some carbs as well.
Wonderful post! I’ve always hated some food rules like no carbs in the evening, no eating certain foods or you’ll get fat etc. one of my best friends is in that mindset and its fustrating. I never heard the ‘bananas make you fat’ belief until about a year ago. I love them and have one every day without fail.
I do have my own rules though. I don’t eat fast food, only choose whole grains (I hate white flour and haven’t bought any in years!) and I choose foods that make me feel healthy and good. I’m a teacher so I need the energy and a good diet is a good way to do just that.
This is a fabulous post Amanda! So, a common food rule for me is that I shouldn’t eat carbs. The problem with that is that I like carbs, so my rule is moderation is key. I still enjoy my bread and pasta but I am smart about how much and try not to overdue it. This is my rule for pretty much any of the foods I’m “not supposed to eat.” BTW…bananas are a fav of mine too! I eat one everyday!
Until last week, I ate FOUR peaches a day (and not those miniature peaches – I’m talking big costco size ones). I actually tried to cut back this week because I knew they would go out of season soon, so I’ve been trying to train myself to become less dependent on them .. luckily for you bananas are available year-round!
Great topic and great post Amanda! I’m really enjoying these posts of yours, and hope for more during your studies with IIN. Every magazine, print and televised media is constantly saying something relating to what is good and what is bad for us, and for every ‘good’ there is an argument for their ‘bad’.
A common food rule that doesn’t work for me is the whole ‘fill up on raw and steamed vegetables they are satiating’. Um, no. Unless they are cooked in a oil/fat, I actually reckon they stimulate hunger. They go well with a meal, but are just a (tasty) side item. I need to work on not only eating more in general, but increasing carbs too. I’ve had in badgered in my head for so long how vilified they are and when is best to consume, its a brain sore just thinking about it!
PS you would have hated being in Australia several years ago when we had this massive drought where bananas went from $2 kg to close to $15 a kg!
$15/kg?! That’s insanity! And I couldn’t agree more about the veggies… I remember trying to fill up on those back in the day, and not only was I never satisfied after I finished eating, but it just got to the point where it became painfully uncomfortable.
I love this post! I still at times fall victim to some of my old disordered eating habits in terms of food limitations & restrictions but also feel as If I have come MILES ahead. Since I stopped weighing myself I feel as If I became a new person. I now can eat a few pieces of fruit in a day and not have a panic attack! I also love banana straight from the freezer, soooooo good!
A common food rule that doesn’t work for me is do not eat before bed. I ALWAYS have a snack before bed, I am just cautious in what I eat – high protein, low glycemic typically.
A food rule for me is always eat breakfast. If I avoid breakfast I become cranky haha
I’m so with you girl… I eat 2 bananas a day… plus a crap ton of other fruit. Better eat it while it’s fresh right??
I so don’t follow most food rules… especially the no carbs rule. 🙂
I am on the opposite spectrum when it comes to banana – i buy them like its my job but always end up throwing them or freezing them..One of the food rules I absolutely want to ban is eating 3 hours before bedtime or something..its ridiculous.
That’s one that definitely gets on my nerves – I have no idea how I’d be able to sleep without eating something to get me through the night.
I have been on a banana kick lately too, at least since last week when I was sick. There is something about bananas that sets them aside from other fruit I think. Hmm, my food rules – well, I used to never snack between meals and now I feel like I don’t go more than 2 or 3 hours without popping something into my mouth…While I was never anorexic or bulimic, I certainly became too rigid around the time I was 22 and lost my period for several months. I recall eating the same few foods all week and then loosening up “a bit” on the weekends. I think we all can take eating healthy and exercising too far and become too rigid and controlled with eating…What doesn’t work for me? I could never follow any form of a structured diet plan – especially one that counts calories from fruits and vegetables and/or restricts them. I don’t believe in it and my body would freak!
Eating carbs is bad, right? As is eating before bed? In fact, we’d better not eat after six [or whichever time] at all anymore? Let me confess to being outrageously naughty by not only eating a carb-y [though not counting it as that as I’ve largely stopped micro-managing] dinner never earlier than 8 or even 9 PM. No, I’m also adding a nice amount of nut butter and follow it up with some chocolate, more nut butter and other snacks. Breaking not only one ‘rule’ but many at the same time feels awesome. I’ll have to admit it’s kind of addictive [in a positive way] to do it and laugh out loud at those ‘experts’ :). Because oh, hey, I have yet to gain a ridiculous amount of weight. Am I breaking the rules in a wrong way? I guess I should try harder ;).
One ridiculous rule I followed was not allowing certain foods at specific times. No nut butter for breakfast … sad times. Another one that didn’t work was the whole high-protein mumbo jumbo. I tried eating cottage cheese for breakfast once – no second try needed – and even adding nut butter wasn’t able to satisfy me. Carbs are a necessity and I don’t even want to give up on them.
One “food rule” that doesn’t jive with me?
LOL… that Paleo thing about no peanuts because that means no Peanut Butter.
WRONG.
Okay, to be honest I never tried it but…I won’t.
(To relate to this imagine some “diet” that was like “no almond butter.”).
Nucking Futz.
That what that is. (0:
P.S. I bought a box of Barbara’s Puffin Cereal the other day and I am in love 😛 (I “blame” your blog for this).
I’m gladly accept the blame for that one
Thank you Amanda, for such an honest and beautiful post! I have been going through the same discussion in my mind for a couple of weeks now and it makes me happy to know I am not alone in these thoughts. Yes, we must learn to trust what our bodies want and not what society has moulded our minds into thinking. For years, I was frightened of bananas as well and after reintroducing them into my life this year, I feel happier, healthier and a little bit freer. Plus, they are just absolutely delicious!
It is hard to stop our thoughts from immediately seeing a food to thinking “Bad” or “Good”, but I believe that it is truly possible one day to eliminate these thoughts. We just have to keep listening to our own bodies.
Have a lovely day.
Awesome post, I can definitely relate. I spent years labeling foods as ‘bad’ and ‘good’, but now I am learning that I can be just as healthy and beautiful eating whatever makes me feel happiest and healthiest. And bananas are a favorite 🙂
Love this post! I used to be afraid of bananas too after a trainer at my gym basically told me they were the devil. Now there’s not a day that goes by where I dont get my banana fix in! A food rule that doesnt work for me is cutting out dairy. I dont typically eat a lot of dairy anyway, but there’s not way I can go without my greek yogurt!
You and me both! I could go without cheese or milk, but there’s no way I’d be able to give up yogurt.
Okay, food rules have been the bane of my existence for the past two years! It is beyond frustrating. I have had so many, I’ve lost count. But then again, I’ve overcome a lot in the past 6 months and it has been so freeing.
Some I’m still struggling with are 1) Eating red meat no more than once a week. This is really hard, and I’ve recently moved up to allowing myself twice a week, but only on certain days (Wednesday and Saturday). Last night I had a hamburger with friends on a Monday. That was hard. But I did it!
2) Eating at certain times. I have this weird OCD habit where if I’m eating lunch at 1:00 , it HAS to be at exactly 1:00. Not 1:01, not 1:04, not 12:59. I haven’t actually told anyone about it yet because it is so weird and I really don’t want to be forced break that rule. Crazy, much?
I’m so glad you’ve been able to break your rule barring you from eating bananas. Anyone who thinks a banana is unhealthy is fooling themselves!