Beyond Clean Eating: Navigating the Good vs. Bad Food Mindset

The language we use around food reveals a troubling cultural obsession. Have you ever caught yourself saying "I was good because I didn"t eat that cupcake" or "I was bad this weekend because I had pizza"? This powerful episode peels back the layers of how we"ve assigned moral value not just to food, but to ourselves based on what we eat. We dive headfirst into the origins of the "clean eating" movement, tracing its evolution from the early 2010s when documentaries, fitness influencers, and tribal diet communities began reshaping how we think about nutrition. Rather than promoting actual health, many of these approaches began selling identities – ways to belong – rather than sustainable nutrition principles. The consequences can be severe. Extreme restriction often leads to binge-eating cycles, social isolation when meals become stressors instead of connectors, and an unhealthy relationship with food that affects mental wellbeing. Through personal stories, including experiences with competitive bodybuilding, we reveal how even "healthy" approaches can backfire dramatically. But there"s a better way forward. Discover the practical power of the 80/20 approach, why adding protein might be more effective than eliminating food groups, and how to develop boundaries rather than restrictions around eating. We explore why a flexible structure focused on consistency trumps short-term perfection every time. Whether you"ve struggled with food guilt, avoided social events because of dietary restrictions, or simply want a healthier relationship with eating, this episode provides the perspective and practical tools to break free from food morality and build sustainable nutrition habits that nourish both body and mind.