Content warning: this article discusses themes relating to eating disorders.

Many opinions have become so ingrained in our culture that it is hard to separate them from facts. The fact is however, that opinions are not facts. One of the biggest area of misconceptions surrounds eating disorders. I have tried to discuss some opinions on this topic, using the analogy of a common food consumed in varied forms: nuts.

It is common knowledge that nuts are high in fats, and must be consumed in a limited quantity if we want to control our weight. Or, is it? Ever heard of a little chipmunk’s love for nuts? There are several issues in the above statement, the foremost arising from the sheer entitlement of the word ‘must.’ While nuts are high in unsaturated fats, and the word ‘fat’ is problematically associated with getting ‘fat,’ it is not as simple as it seems. The benefits of consuming fats can be studied at ease and in abundance, via a quick Google. Many health journals, and studies mention them, discussing the positives, including increased satiety levels, body repair, and so on.

The famous ‘calorie in’ and ‘calorie out’ balance is not a fact. For instance, the consumption of fruits and vegetables do not adhere to this ‘rule.’ If a person chooses to consume nuts and asks our opinion on the matter, it is important to be mindful of what we say and how we say it. If we were being honest, we might argue that fats ‘must’ be consumed in a limited quantity. What we are not considering, however, is the other person’s specific diet. Food is the fuel for our system and many factors contribute in maintaining a healthy body.

Let us say, that someone chooses to eat a combination of nut butters, milk, and nuts, along with fruits for a day. While this might seem like an ‘unhealthy’ or ‘unsustainable’ diet to some, this might not be the case. Many other factors, such as metabolism, exercise, overall food consumption, and age will come into play. Additionally, commenting on someone’s diet as ‘unsustainable’ creates issues. Who is to say we are obliged to be sustainable? Most people do not plan ahead what they will be eating for the rest of their life. A fad diet is discouraged because it is seen as an ‘unsustainable phase.’ Perhaps some people are aware of this, and want it to be one. Moreover, such ‘phases’ are efforts. They may be practised to control a diet, or promote recovery from disordered eating. In any case, making remarks about any eating habits, whether ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’, can have taxing effects on mental health.

This shows that we must not comment on other people’s food consumption. But how about if an opinion was asked of us, should we give it? The answer is not as simple as it might seem. Whilst we may want to advise and educate others, we need to be mindful. Assuming that the person asking a question  is concerned about their own food habits may be a helpful precaution. We should also consider the accuracy of any health ‘facts’ that we think we know. Most research surrounding eating requires several trials and attempts, because diet is one of the fields in which the effects will always vary from person to person and there can be no certain answer.

So, let us imagine that someone says that they are concerned about their weight, and then proceeds to gush about their love for nuts. To decrease the blame on the addressee, let us consider that they are inquiring what effects this wild affair with nuts might have with weight control. Do we say that it is obvious that such a fling will have disastrous effects, being unaware and inconsiderate of the questioner’s mental state, body health and all the factors mentioned above? Or, do we say that there is more than one singular factor and it is a difficult thing to comment on, and so, a diet can be anything anyone wants it to be? I hope that my stance has proven that the second option is the kinder, safer choice.