The language we use surrounding food, bodies, and health has a profound impact on how we view ourselves and others. Words shape our perceptions, influence behaviors, and play a significant role in how we relate to our bodies. In the context of diet culture, certain words reinforce harmful ideas about body size, food choices, and self-worth. That’s where anti-diet language comes in—reclaiming words, reframing thoughts, and dismantling toxic narratives about food and bodies.
Shifting from “Healthy” to “Nutrient-Dense”
“Healthy” is often used as a blanket term for foods deemed good, virtuous, or better than others. This labeling creates a binary, where some foods are good and others are bad, fueling guilt, shame, and anxiety around eating.
Instead, try using “nutrient-dense.” This term focuses on the actual content of the food—its vitamins, minerals, and energy—without implying that other foods are bad. For instance, saying, “This meal is nutrient-dense” emphasizes the food’s positive qualities without casting judgment on other choices. By using neutral language, we remove the pressure and moral undertones from our eating habits, creating space for all types of food—whether for nourishment, pleasure, or both.
Replacing “Overeating” with “Nourishment”
The word “overeating” often comes with a sense of failure or shame, as if eating past fullness is something to be controlled. Diet culture tends to frame any lack of strict control as bad or undisciplined, creating an unhealthy relationship with food.
Instead, focus on the idea of nourishment. Rather than saying, “I overate,” try, “I nourished my body,” or “I gave my body what it needed at the time.” This shift helps reduce guilt and promotes a more compassionate, non-judgmental approach to eating. Nourishment is about more than calories—it’s about meeting your body’s needs, whether physical or emotional.
Neutralizing the Word “Fat”
“Fat” is often used as an insult or negative descriptor, but in reality, fat is just a characteristic, like tall, short, or curly-haired. Fat isn’t inherently bad—it’s a necessary and natural part of our bodies.
Neutralizing the word “fat” involves stripping it of its emotional charge. Rather than using it as a synonym for failure or unworthiness, we can treat it as just another physical characteristic. If someone says, “I feel so fat today,” a gentle response might be, “What do you mean by that? Fat is just a body type—it doesn’t define your health or worth.” This reframing promotes body acceptance by reducing the stigma attached to the word.
Removing “Overweight” and “Obese” from Your Vocabulary
“Overweight” and “obese” are medical terms deeply rooted in diet culture, implying that there’s a correct or ideal weight for every person. This language reinforces the harmful belief that health is directly tied to body size, which isn’t always true.
Instead, use neutral terms like “people in larger bodies” to describe size without judgment. Health outcomes vary across all body types, and it’s important to reject the notion that a certain weight is inherently better or healthier. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive understanding of health, one that’s not solely determined by size.
Fostering a More Compassionate Approach to Food and Bodies
Using anti-diet language isn’t just about swapping out words—it’s about creating a healthier, more inclusive narrative around food, body image, and health. By removing judgment and reframing the way we talk about food and bodies, we can build a more balanced, respectful relationship with ourselves.
When we stop labeling foods as good or bad, stop seeing our bodies as problems to be solved, and stop assuming that health is determined by size, we open up space for healing. Through this, we can embrace a relationship with food and our bodies that is rooted in nourishment, respect, and acceptance. By being intentional with our words, we have the power to dismantle diet culture and promote body acceptance, making room for everyone to thrive.
Further Reading
Harrison, Christy. Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating. Little, Brown Spark, 2019.
Tribole, Evelyn, and Elyse Resch. Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works. St. Martin’s Press, 2020.
Bacon, Lindo. Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight. BenBella Books, 2010.
Taylor, Sonya Renee. The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.
