The moralization of food is instilled in us from a young age.
It starts with seemingly innocuous lunchbox policing where “treat” foods are chastised except when earned or on special occasions. This soon transitions into teenage angst over “good” vs “bad” calories and a mortal fear of cellulite. Ultimately it feeds into a culture of food shaming, where one’s dietary choices are equated with their personal value.
She who can deny her primal desire is divine.
She who cannot is a pig.
My fierce opposition to this cultural motif is undoubtedly heightened by an eating disorder that has reduced me to a skin-clad skeleton on more than one occasion.
I do not believe that diet culture caused my eating disorder, but it has certainly not made the healing process any easier. Weight gain goes against everything we have been taught as virtuous in a woman. I can attest that it never stops feeling sinful and disgusting.