I know that we’ve all heard the saying, “food is fuel.” Whether it’s from influencers on social media, fitness instructors, or some random person on the street. Is it true?!
NO. Food is SO much more than fuel, and that’s exactly what I’m going to explain in this post.
What Society Tells Us Food Is
The idea of “food” and “eating” has become a bit skewed in recent times, especially due to social media. When you open Instagram or TikTok, you can be flooded with “what I eat in a day’s” that show how “food is fuel,” and nothing else.
Food is being portrayed as a vehicle for weight loss, achieving a smaller body, and ultimately achieving happiness through it. The idea of eating food has become so demonized and instills a fear in people that as soon as they eat the “wrong” thing, instant weight gain occurs.
Why is this? The whole idea of “food is fuel” comes from belief that the only role that food serves is to give our body energy. Not for enjoyment, social purposes, or anything else for that matter. JUST for energy.
News flash, our bodies aren’t cars. Yes, if we don’t give them enough energy, they’re not going to function optimally. But last time I checked, cars don’t have friends, emotions, or cravings.
What It Actually Is
Here comes the good part…what food actually is. It’s true that food is “fuel.” It technically is fuel for our body and gives us energy. Everything we eat gives our body energy...whether that be a kale salad or a hamburger.
The reason why I say that food isn’t just used as fuel is because it can serve an emotional purpose as well. We’ve heard the term “emotional eating” before. It usually has a negative connotation where people believe that you should never eat emotionally. If you believe this, it’s totally understandable because that’s what diet culture has engrained in us.
Let’s think of some scenarios where food serves a greater purpose than just fuel. Maybe you’re at a birthday party or gathering and they have your favorite birthday cake. The “food is fuel” mindset would say that you don’t need the birthday cake because it’s not the best thing for your body, and you could instead get your energy from a bowl of fruit.
Yes, you could get your energy from a bowl of fruit…but would that be enjoyable? In some situations, yes. I’m the first person to go for a big bowl of fruit because I genuinely love it. Would I be going for it at a party where my favorite foods and cake are that I don’t get all the time? Probably not.
We need to remember the pleasure that food gives us. Our bodies give us signs and cravings as to what food it wants. That’s what intuitive eating is. Sometimes you’re going to want the fruit, but sometimes the ice cream or almond butter filled pretzels (my favorite) is going to look better. Let’s put the fuel aside and think of what will make you feel the best physically and mentally.
Figuring Out What Food Means to You
Food is going to have a different meaning for everyone…let alone, at different points of your life. When I’m home for the holidays, you know that I’m having all the home-cooked meals and desserts. But if I had that all the time, my body probably wouldn’t be feeling the best.
We’re meant to enjoy food with people. To you, food could symbolize gathering with friends, or it may be a spiritual reminder of the food you eat on certain religious holidays. Again, it’s going to be different for everyone.
Remember, food IS fuel, but it’s not ONLY fuel. Maybe I go to the gym and I know that my body could benefit from some protein and carbs after. Sure, that’s going to be fuel for me. But I can marry the two and think of the food that would bring me pleasure, while still fueling my body.
Food serves so many purposes in our life. It is meant to be enjoyed with your loved ones, and not looked at as a tool for weight loss. Enjoy your favorite foods, eat some fruit and vegetables most of the time, and do what feels best for YOUR body.
xoxo
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