How to leave food culture behind and learn to trust your body's signals?

“Food freedom” is a complex term, with definitions ranging from abandoning a food culture and restrictive diets to achieving good health and food security by growing your own food. It is marketed to some as an approach to treating eating disorders and to others as a means of targeted weight loss. In the field of health and wellness, however, it is an emerging and revolutionary concept that challenges societal norms of nutrition and the ideal of being slim. Support health enthusiasts and game changers like Shana Spence (@thenutritiontea). Spence is a Registered Dietitian who takes a non-diet, weight-based approach to health. Use your platform to redefine what “healthy” means, in contrast to the often inaccessible standards of the food industry. Another strong and passionate advocate for food freedom is Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop (@black.nutritionist), who has created a space that emphasizes respect for the body, guilt-free eating, and the culture of restoring food as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we examine zero foods, explain what intuitive and mindful eating is, and discuss the role they may play in your quest for targeted weight loss.

What is food freedom? 
The food freedom framework has various definitions and uses, including but not limited to (1, 2): 

no industrial food production 
approach to food sovereignty 
gastronomy - the science of understanding food, historical culture of food and its impact on health 
a spiritual journey to overcome “food addiction” 
by liberating some weight loss programs such as Whole30 
In other contexts, lack of food refers to abandoning a weight loss culture and restrictive diet by allowing all foods in moderation (unless you or your doctor need to stop you eating certain foods). 

In this application of food freedom, practitioners see food as more than just fuel. They strive to develop a positive, non-judgmental relationship with all foods where guilt is not seen as part of the eating experience. 

This vision of food freedom embraces intuitive and mindful eating, two philosophies that promote confidence in food choices and reject unnecessary restrictions.

Intuitive eating and mindful eating are commonly used to treat eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, chronic mental illnesses that negatively impact nutritional status and attitudes towards eating (3, 4, 5). 

In general, free eating can help people overcome a dieting culture or introduce flexibility into their weight loss goal. 

Because the overlapping and mixed marketing of the term “No Food” can lead to confusion, context is important. This article focuses on food freedom as a non-dietary approach to health and nutrition. 

Alert 
eating disorders and eating disorders can strike anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, or other identity.

It can be caused by any combination of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors, not just exposure to food culture. 

If you feel that your weight or diet is too important to you, or if you feel overwhelmed by healthy eating without guilt, you can consult a qualified healthcare professional. 

A nutritionist or therapist can help you overcome guilt or anxiety and develop eating habits that promote physical and mental health. 

You can also speak to, call, or text trained volunteers for free through the National Eating Disorders Association hotline, or see the organization's free and affordable resources.