SALT LAKE CITY — Imagine you’re walking down a grocery store aisle searching for a bag of popcorn. Amid several options, your eyes land on one that says “guilt-free” on the bag. You might think to yourself, “Well I don’t want to feel guilty after eating my popcorn so this must be the best choice." You grab the “guilt-free” option and keep walking.

Has this ever happened to you?

If you answered yes, then that marketing technique has paid off. The language used to describe what you eat matters, and it can make you feel a variety of emotions including guilt, shame or superiority. The language may even influence your buying decisions.

With a new year — and new start — right around the corner, here are 11 nutrition terms to stop using in 2019 and why:

1. Clean eating

The term "clean eating" has no official government-regulated definition — as opposed to organic or gluten-free, both of which have specific parameters and guidelines. To some people, clean eating may mean eating more whole foods, while to others it may mean avoiding products like dairy or gluten. Because there is no lawful definition and so many different interpretations of clean eating, use of the term should be avoided.

Also, what is the opposite of clean? Dirty? So, if you aren't eating clean, are you eating dirty or unclean? While this may seem innocent, this could actually establish feelings of superiority when eating "clean" and then subsequent guilt from not eating clean food.

2. Processed foods

Bread, pasta, beans, frozen and canned fruits and veggies, canned fish/meat, sauces and all dairy foods are processed. This doesn’t necessarily make them all unhealthy.

3. Good food and bad food

Food is neutral. No one food is morally superior, even though there may be times when one choice is better for you over another. Putting foods into categories of good and bad might make sense in your brain but it may also complicate your relationship with food. Fearing foods, feeling stressed about eating them, and/or compensating in any way are not healthy behaviors, and these often come up when you label foods as such.

4. Willpower

Some people often site a lack of willpower as to why they chose to eat something. However, the will to eat is one of the most powerful responses in the human body — and rightly so, as we must eat to live. If your willpower is draining in the afternoon and the candy bowl is looking appealing, it may be time to check in with yourself — not time to berate yourself. Ask yourself, are you hungry? Tired? Bored? Stressed? What do you really need in that moment? Taking that time to be curious, without judgement, is a way to practice self-compassion.

5. Calories

Calories = energy. Calories aren't something to be feared; they are vital to our survival. Low-calorie options aren't always the healtheist and may be less satisfying.

6. Guilty pleasure or guilt-free foods

Food should not be guilt-provoking. If you eat something and feel guilty for doing so, then there may be some unexplored food rules that need addressing. Remember that health is not only about what you eat, it should also meet your emotional, social and mental needs.

Why feeling satisfied with food is an important solution

People tend to run scared of satisfaction, equating it with overeating. However, avoiding satisfaction is exactly what can often lead to overeating.

7. Low-carb

Carbohydrates are one of your body’s primary sources of energy and include foods such as grain products, legumes, dairy foods, fruits and veggies — all of which are important food groups. Low-carb diets may be popular right now but that doesn’t mean avoiding carbs altogether is your healthiest option.

8. Detoxing

When it comes to food, you don't need to cleanse, detox or otherwise remove toxins from your body because your liver and kidneys do it for you. Be wary of products claiming to do so, as they are often not backed by science, are extremely low in calories and nutrients and may even cause harm.

9. Cheat day or cheat meal

If you feel you may need a cheat day or a cheat meal, then that might mean your diet the rest of the time is probably too restrictive. Only allowing yourself to eat certain foods on a specific day could set you up for feeling guilty or ashamed if you eat them at other points throughout the week. It may also cause you to feel out of control around those foods. Avoid restricting yourself and instead, allow yourself to eat something you're craving sparingly thoughtout the week, as to not create a good food/bad food mentality.

10. Cure-all

Food is awesome but it's not medicine (sorry Hippocrates). Be on the lookout for any food labels that claim to alleviate everything from digestive symptoms, to allergies, to pain, to improving energy levels, etc. These sweeping claims are likely untrue and just a clever way of marketing a product.

11. Anecdotes

When it comes to nutrition, trusting your friends or family or the random man on the bus can sometimes be problematic. By nature, humans are extremely individual. There is no one-size-fits-all nutrition or exercise plan. Remember, just because something worked for someone else doesn’t necessarily mean it’s best for you.

A simple way to help clear up confusion around these terms is to be as literal as possible. Taking the negative and positive connotations out of the language surrounding food could also make it more neutral, and thus less confusing, stressful and guilt-provoking. And keep in mind that pleasure and satisfaction from food is important and that true health addresses the whole person, not just what you eat.

Editor’s Note: Anything in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition; Any opinions, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of KSL. KSL does not endorse nor is it responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement made in this article. KSL expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this article.size="2">

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