Food Policing

I recently read a post on food policing. I have always been aware of this practice of pointing out what other people are consuming, but I was new to the term food policing 

In my experience it comes out in comments like

1. "Oh my god you having another serving"

2. "You ate the whole thing of ice cream"

3. "You should really be drinking water" 

I have always wondered what compels people to make remarks towards other peoples eating habits. Are they concerned for you? Or is it really just an insecurity that they have themselves?

Whatever the reason may be I am not a fan of the practice of food policing and shaming in general. Using shame as a way to motivate people is something that is completely ineffective.

"Shame is a fitter and generally a more effectual punishment for a child than beating"

Samuel Richardson

I think that Samuel got it right when here when he refers to shame as a punishment. Shame is a tool that is used to embarrass and humiliate people. If the food policer really wanted the best for you and and is not just an insecure dbag they need to find a different approach. 

Some tools that you can use to defer the people from continuing this behaviour is not to show that is bothers you. If the person that is exhibiting this behaviour to make you embarrassed do your best to try not to show that you are. People can only make you go crazy if you let them. Don't give them that power over you stay strong. Try to bring up the topic when you find the right time.

You can say something like " I noticed at dinner tonight you made quite a few comments about what I was eating. Why is that." Then be silent and just hear them out. Maybe they are not even aware that they are doing it. 

Then let them know that you are not visually disabled. You see everything that you eat and their comments are unappreciated and unwanted. I could think of some other more colourful things to say but I won't I will leave that to you.