The year 2023 has been a revelation when it comes to our relationship with food, our bodies, and the understanding of eating disorders. In my role as a wellness writer, I’ve had personal experiences that have completely transformed the way I view what it means to eat well.

It all began in my own kitchen, after a long and tiring day. I found myself torn between indulging in what my body craved and succumbing to the pressure to make a “healthier” choice. But as I turned a deaf ear to the critical voice in my head, I came to a profound realization – shaming my body was not the path to a healthier future. It was about embracing my cravings, allowing myself to enjoy that bagel without an ounce of guilt.

One of the most striking revelations for me was the recognition that eating disorders come in all forms. They affect individuals of all genders, races, ages, and economic backgrounds. Research has even shown that hospital admissions for eating disorders have been on the rise, particularly among demographics that are often overlooked, such as males, young adolescents, and those with diagnoses other than anorexia or bulimia nervosa.

The face of eating disorders extends far beyond the stereotypical image we typically imagine. It transcends the pursuit of a smaller body and delves into the obsession with “clean” or “healthy” eating. There are other diagnoses, such as binge eating and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, that showcase the diverse ways in which eating disorders may appear.

But it’s not just clinically diagnosable eating disorders that pose a problem. Disordered eating, characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food, has become a widespread issue. Nearly a quarter of children and adolescents worldwide display signs of disordered eating, emphasizing the gravity of the issue.

In 2023, the inadequacies of dieting have been blatantly exposed. The toxic culture surrounding dieting, with its unhealthy focus on strict, restrictive measures, has proven to be more harmful than beneficial. It has become evident that restrictive dieting rarely leads to long-term weight loss, casting doubt on its purported benefits.

Yet, the most heartening and enlightening lesson is the recognition that everyone deserves to derive simple pleasure from food. It goes beyond body size and shape. It’s about fostering a balanced relationship with food and our bodies, enabling us to truly listen to and respect our body’s signals. Instead of allowing shame to overpower our natural instincts, we should strive to create a nurturing environment for our bodies to flourish.

Above all, enjoying a meal with loved ones and savoring the experience should surpass any arbitrary food restrictions. Food and dining experiences are not solely about nourishing our bodies, but also about feeding our souls and forging meaningful connections with others. By embracing our cravings, our bodies, and the joy of dining, we can authentically elevate our eating habits in 2023.