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Yesterday, I went out to a party and had 3 slices of pizza without a second thought. Not because I don’t care about my diet, not because there was nothing else to eat, and definitely not because of my lack of self control. I had a great time dancing, mingling with new faces, and simply craved the ultimate satisfaction of biting into a cheesy, pepperoni-loaded slice afterward. In the past, I would’ve definitely overthought it, labeled it as ‘unhealthy,’ and carried a load of guilt.
I scroll through Instagram, see these flawless girlies eating carefree, posing in their most fabulous outfits, and can’t help but wonder, ‘Maybe it’s fake, maybe not, but damn, I want to live like that IRL.’ Since I can remember, I’ve wanted to create a well-balanced diet, one that frees me from the constant mental chatter around food and the labels we attach to it—healthy or unhealthy, good or bad. And when I stumbled upon the ‘all foods fit’ model, let me tell you, it completely transformed how I perceive my eating habits.
What is the “All Foods Fit” model?
In the nutrition landscape, the “all foods fit” model takes a unique stand—every item on your plate can find its place in your daily eating routine and meal preparations. In a society that habitually categorizes foods as “good” or “bad,” this approach bids farewell to the cultural judgments surrounding food. The key idea of “all foods fit” is to encourage you to listen to your body rather than promote it as a strategy to achieve a healthy eating pattern and body weight (not an effective strategy BTW). I get it; you might be thinking, “If I listen to my body, it’ll probably crave a Big Mac, a large coke and all sorts of junk food.” From my experience, I can tell you that, yes, those cravings might arise initially but diversity will naturally find its way back into your meals when no food group is deemed off-limits.
Think about it: “all foods fit in a healthy diet” will not only foster your mental well-being by removing the idea of restrictive labels but also promote physical health by reinstating trust in hunger cues. The beauty of this philosophy lies in freeing yourself from dietary constraints and allowing your needs to guide your choices (just watch the Stephanie Buttermore’s 1 year all in journey on YT, truly refreshing and encouraging).
While this model breaks free from the shackles of fad and elimination diet, let me be real with you — adopting the “all foods fit” model wasn’t a cakewalk for me. Confronting that initial hesitation when faced with so-called “junk” food was quite difficult. In the section below, I share insights into the ways that helped me in weaving this model into my dietary practices. However, It’s essential to recognize that this approach isn’t one-size-fits-all; what clicked for me might not resonate with everyone. And before diving into the details, remember: the journey of life is continuous, especially when it comes to something as intimate as one’s relationship with food. Seek guidance from a medical professional if you’d like to make changes.
Ways that helped me incorporate the “All Foods Fit” model
I reflected back on foods I restricted
Picture a girl dealing with a lot (and I mean, a lot!) of acne, going on a fitness journey to shed a few pounds, boost confidence, and diving into the world of clean eating for both clear skin and a sculpted body. When I say “sculpted,” I wasn’t even willing to accept the idea of a tiny bit of lower belly fat.
My encounter with the “all foods fit” model came through watching Stephanie Buttermore’s one-year “all in” journey on YouTube. As a fitness competitor (with a perfect body) facing health issues, she gave into this concept and documented her transformative journey. After watching someone happy-eat whatever they wanted sparked my curiosity. I started watching as much content around it as I could, even mukbangs, just to get comfortable with the idea of indulging wholeheartedly. Slowly, I began to pause to contemplate why certain foods triggered immediate discomfort. Some of the conclusions I had drawn then seemed nonsensical, mostly rooted in myths or false claims (a realization that caught me off guard.)
That experience encouraged me to question things more often (not just about food). My advice: pause for a moment and reflect on the food rules you’ve set for yourself. Why are you cutting out or avoiding certain foods? What’s the reason behind banishing specific types of food from your household? If these questions leave you feeling uneasy or uncertain, perhaps it’s time for a thoughtful re-assessment.
I began by indulging in my cravings until I felt satisfied
While it took time, support, and a shift in mindset, I managed to work my way up by introducing the foods I once feared. Interestingly, when I was on this journey, I did something to hype myself up! Those mukbangs really got to me, so I created a private Instagram account with 2 followers (shout out to my best friends) and started documenting my happy eating moments. It might sound unconventional, but it turned out to be a game-changer. Returning to those videos, I had a moment of clarity that resonated deeply with the timeless saying, “food for the soul.” It’s incredible how something as simple as a video can evoke such a profound connection, touching the very essence of what nourishes and uplifts us.
It made me see that food isn’t something to fear but a source of joy. Videos of indulging in little something “junk” every alternate day slowly reduced my cravings and the habit of overeating. I began to trust myself around foods that once triggered uneasiness. If you find yourself on a similar journey, consider partnering with a dietitian or healthcare professional who can provide valuable guidance as you reshape your relationship with food.
Slowly, I created my own labels
As a devoted coffee enthusiast, I came upon a revelation—one as simple as the fact that some people can digest coffee on an empty stomach (but should you drink it?) while others can’t. It made me realize that coffee, in general, might be OK for those who can digest it but “bad” for others. So, I started reevaluating the judgments and praises I attached to different foods. It dawned on me that the words we use to describe foods contribute to a harmful narrative. Many of us use language that often carry a sense of judgment. Opting for a salad is often deemed “good,” while choosing a dessert may come with an expectation of guilt.
From then, I started making conscious effort to break away from these ingrained phrases and began shaping a new language around food. I cannot stress enough that there was nothing more empowering than giving myself the authority to shape my own sentiments about food. Creating a mental connection with what I consumed allowed me to appreciate food not just as a physical nourishment but as a source of energy and comfort for my soul. It allowed me to have a fulfilling relationship with the nourishment I offered my body. This is also a reason that has helped avoid exclusively and constantly only eating “junk” food in the long term.
Eventually, I prioritized balance over perfection
From perfecting my form in the gym to obsessing over clean eating, yep, I have very much been about perfection. The “all foods fit” model has taught me that food can satisfy you in more ways that just fulfilling your nutritional needs. And, a pivotal realization struck me — true perfectionism is found in balance.
Acknowledging the pleasure and energy that different foods bring can foster mindfulness in your choices, guiding you to opt for nutrient-dense options for physical nourishment and relishing seasonal treats for the nourishment of the soul.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or experiencing disordered thoughts and behaviors related to food and eating, please seek professional help.
