Be Mindful of Your Language Around Food and Body Image

Ever caught yourself muttering 'I shouldn’t eat this' while hiding in the pantry, only to realize tiny eyes are watching you like you’re the star of a reality show called 'Parents Say Weird Stuff About Cookies'? Yeah, same. If you’ve ever wondered whether calling broccoli a 'superfood' or cake a 'cheat' is doing more harm than good, this is for you. Let’s laugh, cringe, and figure out how to keep food talk chill—because raising a kid who doesn’t think a cupcake is a moral failing is an underrated superpower.

Kids who grow up hearing neutral or positive language about food and bodies are less likely to develop anxiety, shame, or disordered eating. Their brains learn to associate food with nourishment and enjoyment, not guilt or restriction. For parents, shifting the script can lower stress around mealtimes, boost self-esteem, and help everyone’s dopamine levels stay in the happy zone instead of the shame spiral.

How to do it

  1. Catch yourself when you’re about to make a negative comment about food, such as saying, "I was so bad for eating that."

  2. Swap negative statements for neutral or positive ones. For example, say, "That was delicious and I’m full now."

  3. Focus on what food does for your body. Instead of labeling food as good or bad, try saying things like, "Carrots help me see in the dark!"

  4. Avoid talking about diets or weight, even as a joke.

  5. If you slip up (which is normal), correct yourself out loud and move on. You can even make it funny for bonus points.

Key Tips:

  • Be mindful of your language around food.
  • Practice reframing negative thoughts into positive or neutral statements.
  • Emphasize the benefits of different foods rather than assigning moral value.
  • Keep conversations about food light and supportive.
  • Don’t be hard on yourself if you make a mistake—just acknowledge it and continue.

When you sit down at the table for a meal or snack.

Say one neutral or positive thing about the food, like 'These apples are so crunchy!'
Do a mini fist-pump or goofy wink at your kid (or yourself).
Stick a silly food-positive sticky note (like 'All foods fit!') on the fridge.

When your child asks for a snack or dessert.

Describe the food’s texture or taste instead of labeling it 'good' or 'bad.'
Give yourself an invisible gold star or a quick mental 'nailed it!'
Make a list of fun, descriptive words for food (crunchy, juicy, colorful) and stick it on a cabinet.

When you catch yourself about to say something negative about your own body or eating.

Pause and rephrase it out loud, like 'My body lets me chase you around the house!'
Share a quick high five or silly face with your kid.
Tell your partner or co-parent you’re trying this new food-language thing so they can join in or remind you.