Guilt-free?

I absolutely love looking at recipes on various blogs and websites!  In fact, I'm sort of obsessed with it.

However, the other day when I was recipe hunting, I felt disappointed by how many recipes contained the words "guilt-free" in the title or introduction.  I am aware of how many of us like desserts or other "guilty" foods and am also aware that people, in general, want to be healthier, or even lose weight without "giving up" their favorite "indulgences".  On the surface, this is a nice idea.  I know I might even be more likely to click on a recipe that is "guilt-free".

But, what do the words "guilt-free" mean for our society?  Why do we attribute the word, or the feeling, "guilt" with foods?  There are people everywhere who struggle with food.  We fight cravings, diet, binge, eat too little, make excuses, and engage in many other behaviors that wreak havoc on our mental health.  On top of this, we are constantly bombarded with images of what we should look like or what is "healthy".

What I want to propose is that we stop attaching the word "guilt" to what we eat, whether it is "healthy" or not.  As a human being, you do not deserve to feel inferior or worse about yourself because of what you eat.  You should eat what you want and not have second thoughts.  I know it's hard to do this with negative messages surrounding us, but try to dismiss the shoulds and can'ts and guilt from your vocabulary.

Obviously, health is still important, and I know I am personally always open to a healthier re-make of another recipe I enjoy.  However, if you try to stay balanced and listen to when you are full for the most part, you don't have count every calorie you consume, or worry about consuming your favorite treats.

Have a wonderful day, beautiful people!