When Did We Start Labeling Food as “Good” or “Bad”? And Why?
How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I shouldn’t eat that, it’s bad for me,” or “I’ve been so good today, I deserve a treat”? It’s like we’ve all been programmed to see food in this black-and-white way, as if what we eat somehow defines our worth. But seriously, when did we start doing this? When did food become something to feel guilty or proud about?
The truth is, this way of thinking didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It’s been creeping into our lives for a long time, shaped by all sorts of cultural and societal influences. We’ve been taught to see certain foods as “good,” like they’re somehow morally superior, while others are “bad,” like they’re the enemy. And let me tell you, that mindset can mess with your head.
I’ve been there, obsessing over whether I was eating the “right” things, feeling guilty if I even thought about eating something that wasn’t on the “good” list. It’s exhausting. And for what? Does labeling food this way actually make us healthier or happier in the long run?
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
The thing is, food isn’t that simple. It’s not just a matter of good vs. bad, healthy vs. unhealthy. Our bodies are complex, and they need a variety of foods to thrive. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. But when we start labeling food, we strip away the joy and the balance that comes from eating what our bodies truly need and want.
And let’s be real—this kind of thinking can take the fun out of food entirely. Eating shouldn’t be a moral dilemma. It should be about nourishing our bodies, enjoying the flavors, and yes, sometimes just indulging in something because it tastes damn good. When we start putting foods into these categories, we’re not doing ourselves any favors. We’re just setting ourselves up for guilt, shame, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
So, when did we start labeling food this way? It’s hard to say exactly, but it’s clear that somewhere along the line, we started letting outside influences — whether it’s society’s obsession with body image or the latest nutrition trends — dictate how we see what’s on our plate. Historically, as nutrition science advanced, people began to understand that certain foods provided specific health benefits, while others might contribute to health issues if consumed in excess. Over time, this scientific understanding got simplified, and in some cases distorted, by popular culture and media. Suddenly, foods were no longer just sources of nourishment; they were either the heroes or villains of our diet, the saints and the sinners. Marketing also played a huge role, with companies promoting certain foods as “superfoods” while demonizing others to sell more products. Combine that with the rise of diet culture, which equates thinness with worthiness, and it’s no wonder we’ve ended up with this rigid way of thinking about food. But honestly, this black-and-white mindset does more harm than good.
Imagine not having to second-guess every bite you take. Imagine eating the pasta because you want to, not because you’ve “earned” it. Imagine a life where food is just food — not something to stress over or feel guilty about. That’s the kind of relationship with food that we all deserve.
