30 Things You Should Never Say to a Woman About Her Food
Mealtime should be the best part of the day. It's time to take a break, nourish your body, and enjoy some delicious food. And if you're eating with other people, even better—you get to enjoy good company and hopefully a lively conversation.
Unfortunately, that fun conversation can turn sour if you're not careful. Since eating is such a personal choice, it's really not anyone else's business what someone, especially a woman, decides to eat or how she eats it. Not shockingly, people don't enjoy being subjected to annoying statements and passive-aggressive remarks while they're trying to finish their meal. So be sure you think twice before you comment on a woman's food. Usually, it's best to just keep your mouth shut—unless you're actually taking a bite of your food. Speaking of eating habits, be sure to check out our list of 21 Eating Habits That Help You Shed Weight.
"Wow, You're Going to Eat All of That?"
Yep, I totally am, so don't even think about asking for a bite.
"Is That All You're Eating?"
I'm just not that hungry. And maybe you should eat less, BRENDA.
"You Know, You Really Shouldn't Eat Soy."
You know, you really shouldn't comment on what other people choose to eat. Also edamame = delicious.
"Dairy is Bad for You."
I know, there are several grievances against dairy: we're the only mammals that consume the milk of another animal, and dairy supposedly makes you gain weight. But many registered dietitians agree that unless you're lactose intolerant, there's no reason to give up dairy. In moderation, it can fit well into a healthy diet. And ditching dairy doesn't even necessarily help you lose weight. Plus, I love cheese.
"That's a Lot of Sugar."
Just like anything, sugar is fine in moderation. The American Heart Association says you can have up to 25 grams of added sugar a day, and the FDA pushes that even more to 45 grams. Regardless, I track how much sugar I've eaten in a day and this is the only sugary thing I've had all day—and it's totally worth it.
"Red Meat is Going to Kill You."
Sure, red meat is higher in saturated fat and some processed red meats have been associated with colon cancer, but there are healthier cuts of red meat that can fit perfectly into a healthy diet. Take grass-fed beef—it's leaner and has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal.
"Do You Always Eat So Many Carbs?"
Do you always comment on what other people eat?
"I Wish I Could Eat That."
I'm sorry you have a food allergy or intolerance, but peanut butter is just really damn delicious and I would appreciate it if you didn't try to make me feel bad for being able to eat something you can't.
"You're Lucky You Can Eat Whatever You Want."
Let me clue you in on a little secret: you can also eat whatever you want! It's called free will.
"I Could Never Eat That, I'm on a Diet."
Being on a diet shouldn't mean you restrict everything in your life. Also, I'm not and sometimes the fries are worth it.
"You Shouldn't Put Leftovers in Plastic."
I've been putting leftovers in plastic for 20 years and I haven't died yet. Also, these containers are BPA-free and if you want to pay for a set of glass containers for me to use, I'm registered at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
"Heating Up Food in the Microwave is Bad for You."
Unfortunately, that's the only thing we have in our office kitchen and I'm not about to eat cold pad Thai. Also, microwaves haven't killed me yet.
"White Bread Gives You Wrinkles."
I'm pretty sure aging gives you wrinkles.
"You Know That Has Gluten in It, Right?"
Yes, yes I do. I'm eating it anyway.
"That Smells Exotic!"
First of all, just because it's a dish you're not familiar with doesn't mean it's "exotic" (odds are, millions of people around the world eat this "exotic" cuisine every day). And second of all, that seems like a backhanded compliment. I think it smells tasty.
"You're Just Getting a Salad?"
Yes, a salad sounds delicious right now. Also, it's really good for me! But you can get whatever you want.
"You Should Really Get the Dressing on the Side."
I usually do order it on the side, but I just so happened to order the lowest calorie dressing on the menu and asked for my salad to be lightly dressed—another way to cut calories on your salad.
"You're Getting an Appetizer and an Entree?"
I just like to pregame my food with more food, is there something wrong with that?
"I Don't Know How You Can Eat Dessert After That Meal."
Well, I do. Watch me.
"I Can't Believe You Finished the Entire Thing."
I can, and I'm pretty satisfied with that choice.
"You Just Inhaled That."
Sometimes people eat fast. Maybe I'm hungry, maybe I have to get back to work, or maybe I have residual trauma from growing up in a house full of hungry siblings and if I didn't scarf my food down, my jerk brother Kevin would steal all my mashed potatoes in the blink of an eye. Regardless, there's no need to comment on it.
"Wow That Looks So Good."
Yes, I know my food looks good. That's why I ordered it. If you would like a bite, please just ask.
"Do You Know How Many Calories You Just Ate?"
Yes, I do, and I'm totally OK with it. I know how many calories I'm supposed to eat in a day, and I'll decide how I want them spread out through my meals.
"Did You Even Read the Ingredient List?"
Yes, I did, but I decided to eat it anyway because I'm an adult who chooses what she puts in her body.
"I Can't Believe You're About to Eat That."
Really? Because I can—watch me.
"You Really Shouldn't Be Eating That if You're Trying to Lose Weight"
Everyone has different weight-loss journeys, and sometimes that includes cheat meals or cheat days. Plus, sometimes ice cream is just totally worth it.
"You Want Some Coffee with That Cream?"
Har har, you want some humor with that original comment?
"I Can't Believe You Paid That Much Money for That."
Good food can sometimes be expensive, but also totally worth it. I don't judge how you choose to spend your money!
Are You Gonna Finish That?
I'm not sure; it depends on how much I eat before I get full. But if you would like to try some, just ask me!
"Stop Instagramming Your Food and Just Eat It."
Sometimes you gotta do it for the 'gram. I'm not just hungry for dinner, I'm also hungry for likes. #SorryNotSorry.
