The way we talk about food—labeling it as “good” or “subpar”—can have a surprisingly powerful impact on our mental well-being. Increasingly, experts are finding that this moralizing of food choices contributes to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety, potentially leading to disordered eating patterns. This isn’t simply about indulging in a treat; it’s about the psychological weight we assign to what’s on our plates and how that affects our overall health. Understanding the impact of food morality is a crucial step toward fostering a healthier relationship with eating and with ourselves.
The tendency to categorize foods in this way is deeply ingrained in our culture. We praise fruits and vegetables as “pure” while simultaneously demonizing desserts as “sinfully delicious.” Even seemingly harmless marketing tactics, like labeling products as “guilt-free,” reinforce this binary thinking. But according to Jillian Lampert, PhD, RD, vice president of strategy and public affairs for Accanto Health and executive director for The Emily Program Foundation, this kind of labeling is fundamentally unhealthy. “Somehow, we decided that some foods are good and some are bad, and that if we eat them, then our behaviors—and even we as people—are good or bad,” she explains.
The Mental Health Cost of “Good” and “Bad” Foods
The consequences of viewing food through a moral lens extend beyond simple guilt. Experts say that fixating on “good” versus “bad” foods can create a cycle of obsession and self-criticism. “When it comes to mental health, an obsession with ‘good’ foods and ‘bad’ foods is unhealthy,” says Atkinson. The constant internal debate over whether to allow oneself a “bad” food, followed by feelings of shame after consuming it, can significantly erode mental well-being. This can manifest as increased anxiety, stress, and even contribute to the development of more serious eating disorders.
This isn’t to say that all foods are equally nutritious. Certain foods undeniably offer more vitamins and minerals than others, and a balanced diet is important for physical health. However, the key is to approach food choices with neutrality rather than judgment. As Lampert points out, healthy eating is nuanced and looks different for everyone. It’s about finding a sustainable pattern that supports individual needs, not adhering to rigid rules about what is “allowed” or “forbidden.”
When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy: Orthorexia
For some, the pursuit of “good” foods can escalate into a full-blown disorder known as orthorexia. Coined in 1998, orthorexia is characterized by an obsessive focus on “healthy” eating, often to the detriment of physical and mental health. While not yet formally classified as a clinical eating disorder, research suggests it’s on the rise. Rates of orthorexia vary widely, but some studies indicate it could affect up to 90 percent of people in certain populations.
The obsession with purity and healthiness can lead to increasingly restrictive diets, social isolation, and significant distress. Simple tasks like grocery shopping or cooking dinner can grow sources of anxiety, as individuals meticulously scrutinize ingredient lists and worry about potential contaminants. This habit, according to Wengler, can further entrench disordered eating patterns and negatively impact mental health.
Beyond Individual Choices: A Cultural Shift
The problem isn’t just individual behavior; it’s a cultural phenomenon fueled by diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards. The constant barrage of messages promoting restrictive diets and demonizing certain foods creates a climate of fear and self-criticism. This is particularly harmful for vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and individuals with a history of eating disorders.
Breaking free from this cycle requires a conscious effort to challenge our ingrained beliefs about food. It means recognizing that all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle, and that occasional indulgences are not moral failings. It also means shifting our focus from weight and appearance to overall well-being. Judging someone (or yourself) based on how they eat is reductive, Lampert says. Whether you choose the salad, sandwich, or pasta dish has no bearing on your worth as a person.
“Viewing food as good or bad tends to create shame and guilt towards consuming certain foods,” Wengler says. “But, despite what diet gurus may say, you’re so much more than what you eat.”
As research continues to illuminate the link between food morality and mental health, it’s clear that a more compassionate and nuanced approach to eating is essential. The next step involves increased awareness and education about the dangers of labeling foods, as well as promoting body positivity and intuitive eating practices.
Do you identify yourself struggling with negative thoughts about food? Share your experiences and join the conversation in the comments below.
