Lifestyle

An Open Letter to the “Food Police”…

October 13, 2014

Sooo, this post has been on my mind for a while, and it’s about time I share.

It is one thing to be judged on the internet for my dietary choices. I am used to it, and I can handle it. I receive anywhere from 10-30 negative emails a day from plant-based former readers who still can’t believe I have switched over to a diet that includes meat, poultry and dairy. I understand the confusion and I have been happy and willing to answer questions from the get-go, but the straight up hate mail and hateful comments are seriously getting old and at this point hardly even make sense anymore.

And then there are the people who have the nerve to come up to me, my family and my friends in public and speak their mind. The internet is one thing — I understand that my blog and Instagram presence was largely rooted in veganism at one point, so I will take those blows as they come. To approach me (and my friends when I am not even THERE) in public and tell me I am a bad person based on my dietary choices (for god’s sake) is not cool and I will not tolerate it.

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This post was spurred by someone, who I sincerely hope is reading this, as I told her to when I spoke with her today, who came up to me when I was eating a burger for lunch today. My first burger since I was FOURTEEN years old and it kinda sorta should have been a special and exciting experience and instead it was pretty tainted by one quite negative and unhappy chick.

I ate the burger. It was delicious. I am trying my best not to view it as a freaking cow because no one likes to think about their food that way but I am listening to my body, I am eating humanely raised and humanely killed hormone-free meat, and I am doing my best over here to be cool with it. I am proud of myself and I recognize how far I have come.

After being a strict vegan for two years and a flip flop vegetarian / pescetarian since the age of 14… It’s not exactly in my comfort zone to eat meat, poultry and dairy, yet alone post photos of them for the world to see!

But I do it anyway, and I do it for a few reasons. A) I’m not ashamed. I am proud of my recent lifestyle changes and I enjoy documenting them and sharing them with my readers and followers. Many of you know that a few months back, I was terrified of a single over easy egg on my plate and more often than not I opted to throw it away in favor of a green juice because it didn’t fall into my longtime dietary label of veganism. The fact that I am now eating fish, eggs and poultry on a regular basis still blows my mind, and my body thanks me for it every day with more energy, clear skin, a functioning digestive system, a more relaxed mind, a recovering eating disorder mentality and a boosted metabolism.

B) I want to show you all that there is a light at the end of the orthorexic tunnel. Not even just at the end of it– but also in the middle of it! I am nowhere near fully recovered. I struggle every day. I obsess a ton and I still have food anxieties. I go days without eating enough at all and have days where I eat way more to make up for it and then feel extremely uncomfortable. I am searching for my balance and there is no reason I should hide that from the world. I want to inspire others who have and DO struggle from similar issues. I want to continue connecting … And I can’t do that properly if I hide what I’m eating.Lastly, I am sick and tired of the haters. The “Jordan you are a weak idiot and I hate you” comments. Someone literally posted that one this morning. In a way it’s comical because the negative people are so far away from reaching their truest selves and I feel sorry for them… But in a way it’s downright rude and ridiculous and I am not going to pretend it’s all butterflies and rainbows every time I get a negative comment about my food choices.Why the hell are people so inclined to judge other people’s choices?! It’s hurtful and silly and really does some damage to the soul and psyche. I don’t let the negativity effect me the same way I did when I initially made my switch, but the fact that the hate still occurs daily is pretty shocking to me. It’s been five months. People are relentless.

This post is meant to do a couple things. If you are someone who finds yourself judging other people’s food choices (and I will flat out admit that I was once one of those people… Even if I wasn’t super verbal about it because I’m not a mean psycho), I encourage you to give it a rest. Keep in mind that everyone’s bodies and personalities are so extremely different, and we all function best on different types of diets. In order to perform, function and be our best selves as friends, professionals, family members and people in this world we’ve gotta fuel ourselves properly and that does NOT include getting stuck in dietary labels if they don’t work for us. If they do, sweet. If they don’t, cool. It shouldn’t even be a focus.

Secondly, if you are on the other end of the spectrum and find yourself getting judged for your food choices, know that you are not alone. You are doing what’s best for your body, and for that you should reach your arms around your bod and give yourself a huge hug. You are brave and inspiring and you will find others who support you, even if people you hoped would understand are not there at all right now.

And last, and perhaps most importantly, if you are someone who is wanting to make a change and is afraid to because of the “food police” aka dietary label nazis aka judgmental and unhappy souls who don’t understand nutrition or simple human social skills — don’t be afraid to take the leap. There is hope, and as scary as it is to make a change and face the judgment, there is vast relief in listening to your body and making a choice that enhances your happiness, your soul and your beautiful individuality.

Cheers to evolving and finding ways to love our bodies however we can. I remember someone telling me a long time ago that it can be SO hard to find happiness in this world, and we are doing ourselves a huge disservice by conforming to another person’s definition of what is right… Do YOU and only good things will come.

You will see me using the hashtags #breakingvegan and #makingmagic on all of my food pics from now on. Breaking Vegan is the title of my book that will be out in October 2015– and I couldn’t be more proud and excited to share it with all of you amazing beings.

Here’s to breaking vegan and making magic. And being the BALANCED individuals that we are – plant-based, carnivorous, entirely unlabeled and everything in between.

Love to all and especially love to the haters… You need it more than the happy, supportive folk.

TBB out– happy Monday!!! I am happy… I swear. I had the best birthday weekend and I will be back tomorrow to talk about that and other positive things. This just had to be said.

52 comments

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William Gregory

OH KALEEE NO SHE DIDN'T

Jordan Younger

Oh KAAALE no. She got a piece of Hunter's mind...! There's no burger eating insulting goin ova here. Only bug steppin!!

Jordan Younger

Hi Julia! Yay, thanks for your question about the app. It is being reviewed by Apple right now and should be officially launching by October 25th at the latest. I will keep you very posted!
Kelly

But... the words "humanely" and "killing" just do not belong in the same sentence. Great for you for listening to your body, but please, please do not promote the idea that you can humanely slaughter an animal for human consumption. Call it what it is.

Jordan Younger

The purpose of this post was to further distance this blog and my social media presence from people who are in disagreement with my views. It's not worth anyone's energy, yours or mine, to argue over our difference of opinion. I respect your choices and if you can't respect mine then this probably isn't a blog you should be reading!

Ashley

I just wanted to leave you a positive, supportive comment. You are an awesome, admirable gal who is a great role model. Everyone has their flaws but it's how you handle it that matters; and you seem to be handling it well and that's respectable. I have struggled with a bad relationship with food since a young age and I love to see people with similar issues move in a positive direction. You are on a positive, healthy path and not a destructive one. regardless of how you move, you move forward. Thank you immensely for sharing your struggles, your happy times... Your ups and downs. It helps me, and I'm sure many many others, who are becoming to realize how many hundreds of thousands of people have the same issues yet feel alone. I support you and your strive for balance. Thank you for all you do and share.

Jordan Younger

Thank you so very much, Ashley!!! I so appreciate your comment and I can't tell you how much it means to me that my posts have helped you. That's the goal, and connecting with all of you like-minded people makes me a happy, happy chick. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Xoxox to you

Tracy Jacobs

Hi Jordan, I am mainly a raw foodist and a mainly raw food intake works best for my body, however there are times where my body wants to eat fish and I ear fish with no feelings of guilt whatsoever! If we listen to our bodies more we will know what we need! I salute you for listening to yours! This alone is your journey and no-one can stand in judgement of it unless they themselves walk in your shoes!

Jordan Younger

Tracy, I so admire you for that and I think it's phenomenal that you can stick to mainly raw food because it makes you feel good, but also listen to your body and not get too caught up in the label that you deprive yourself of your cravings and what you want!! I can't tell you how great that is to hear. Thank you for your support. You rock! Xox

Jordan Younger

Thank you, sweet Kris. I so appreciate it. Thank you for the support-- you rock.
Jordan Younger

SUCH true words. Love to you, missy!
Liz S.

YOU are incredibly inspiring and doing what's right. Here's to living healthfully, happily, and vivaciously. All of the disgusting haters? They're so jealous and unhappy with themselves, they just don't know what to do but to spew hatred. They're beyond pathetic. Keep doing what you do, Jordan! The food police will NEVER win with their illogical attacks.

Jordan Younger

Could not agree more!! Thank you so much, Liz. Love love the support and positivity. Imagine if EVERYONE spend their time supporting others? What a beautiful world we would have. :)

Liz S.

You said it best, Jordan! Again, thank you for being strong, inspiring, and genuine. And also, as a fellow NYC-loving blonde (NYC is my second home, so I'm there often), amen on your recent post about loving the city so much :) It's truly a magical place!

Erin @ The Almond Eater

People are ridiculous and that makes me so mad. The only thing I can think of is that people thrive off of hurting others, which I'm sure will get them far in life (not). Keep doing you beauty and don't listen to them!! You have come so far and you know it.

Jordan Younger

YES, Erin, you are so right. It's pretty insane how negative some people can be and that somehow that actually seems to fuel them. Lucky for us, we are surrounded by super rad awesome and supportive people. Lucky to have you, my sweet balanced almond eating yogi beautiful chica!!

Linda @ the Fitty

Never let negative comments take you down. You are doing only your best in the end, remember that! :') You are not perfect and you are ALLOWED to struggle with food anxieties--most people on this planet actually do too, believe it or not! It's just a matter of how much control you have over the anxiety and you, Jordan, are already more than halfway down since acknowledging it. :)

Jordan Younger

SO true, so many of us struggle. And the acknowledgement certainly is a huge part of recovery. Thank you, sweet Linda. I really appreciate the kind words. Xoxx

Michele @ paleorunningmomma

You've done something really brave and I guess I'm not surprised that some people are rude/ignorant enough to leave you hate messages, but, then again it's a little surprising it's done with that frequency! I mean what the heck is wrong with these people! Definitely do not allow the comments to upset you. You are an inspiration to a lot of people!

Jordan Younger

It's true... I suppose I am not surprised either!! Pretty crazy but there will always be haters. Ayi yi. You are an inspiration to me, missy!! Thank you for your support. You rock.

Paige

Great writing and message, Jordan! The travel publication where I occasionally contribute published an article about why a vegetarian/vegan diet won't save the world. I think you'd find it really interesting if you haven't already read it! http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/why-vegetarianism-will-not-save-the-world/

Jordan Younger

Thank you my dear Paige! Ah, I wanna see you soon. Tell Kyle we all need to plan something. I hadn't seen that article yet and am headed to read it now. Thanks for sharing!! Xox

Paige

Will do, that would be so fun! A trip to LA is much needed :)

Kelly

Oh god, that's such a terrible article. Please, don't go vegetarian, let the factory farms do the job of saving the planet. Encourage people to eat mass produced meat - you're right, that IS better than a soy burger.

Jordan Younger

Right?!?! The audacity astounds me. Thank you, sweet Abbey. So lucky to have you! And YES, birthday present 100%. Can't even wait. :)
Stefanie

Hi Jordan, I haven't followed you for very long, but I really appreciate this blog post. I am working slowly, but surely, on making healthy improvements in my eating after a long history of eating a very unhealthy high sugar, high processed foods diet, and it can be tempting for me to tend now towards the opposite extreme - to label even some healthy foods as bad, and think that if I just cut out everything that's "bad," I will get a perfect body and that's all I need to do to be healthy. Thank you for being strong and sharing your experiences, because, to me, it's very helpful to hear a positive message about the benefits of animal proteins, and to remember to work on building a lifestyle and diet that truly results in health for my body, rather than worrying about fitting into any particular brand of health. I hope that's encouraging! I just wanted to share what your post meant to me, to reaffirm that you are making a positive difference. Your experiences are worth sharing with the world and I think it's fantastic that you do share them, even with so much anger sent at you in response. Much peace and love to you! :)
Chloe Elgar

Jordan! First off- Happy Belated Birthday! It looks (and sounds) as though you had a lovely weekend and a beautiful time in NYC. I can't wait to make my way there soon and scope out the new scene and delicious food. Next, thank you for writing this article. I can see that you are undergoing a lot of controversy and conflicts in your life right now... it's important to continue to check in with yourself and stay true to who you are and your truth. I can't imagine what it is like to undergo so much negativity and emotional abuse, daily, especially in person. That must be so horrible. What an experience. For some reason you are being put under a lot of scrutiny right now, and the reasons seem to be 1) for your own intense personal and spiritual growth and 2) to lead the path towards a less-judgemental, loving and compassionate world. It may seem strange to people that your choices are seen as compassionate- but at the end of the day, you are doing your best with what you know. It's a tough topic... but I feel like the most important part of it all, for everyone, is to get outside of our heads/minds/egos and lead with our hearts. In that space, there is no judgement. You really are in a place now, where you have the influence and the space to inspire others to do this. And that is amazing. Can't wait to hear more about your plans with your book. Keep living your truth and do what you need to do to not attach to the negativity and judgement that is surrounding you and pushing you. Lead with your heart. Lots of love <3 xo
Audrey

You are so brave for being vulnerable with all of us. I'm so sorry that people are taking your vulnerability as a way to hurt you :( please know that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. I know from experience!!! Sending light and love your way :)
Arman @ thebigmansworld

I sincerely hope when we hang out someone comes up to us and judges you. I will throw a white potato, white sugar and butter in their face. We will then continue dining on burgers. You take all this judgement with grace and maturity and you know what? That only aggravates them but so be it. When I did whole30, I included potatoes and the amount of hate mail I got and attack- it was actually pretty funny. I just ate extra potatoes that night for them ;)
Deirdre

Gosh, Jordan, I get such a dose of energy and hope when I read your blog. I am sorry that in return for your time, you get scolded for your choices. You've even inspired me to visit Gingersnap's in NYC--I've mentioned it to two friends! Continued good luck on your project. :)
Davida @ The Healthy Maven

Babes you are amazing! Haters gon hate. But for real I don't understand why people are so damn interested in what other people eat let alone feel the need to comment and criticize others for their choices. Don't they have better things to do with their time!? Ah well just keep killin' it and showing them who's boss. They could all use a little more vodka in their lives...it is vegan after all ;) xoxo
Jen @ Bagels to Broccoli

Jordan, this is such an excellent post. I think your progress is completely admirable and TBH, I just don't understand why people waste their energy on judging other people's food choices. No one's forcing them to eat it - so what's the big deal??
Rachel @ Betty LIVIN

Unfortunately that's how people are and they feel really safe saying awful things online. Most of these people who are emailing and commenting nasty things would never have the guts to say it to your face so don't let it get to you. They're just angry cowards.
Kristin K

This was a great post, Jordan! Thank you for being YOU and true to who YOU ARE! It's sad that people have to resort to negative comments, etc. while you're conveying such a positive and upbeat attitude & spirit. Your passion is contagious and I hope you continue to address the 'haters' but always rise above that awful negativity! I truly wish females (actually everyone in general) could support and lift each other up rather than trying to tear people down. We need to be our biggest supporters and fans! Keep up the awesome topics--love them!!! :)
Miss Polkadot

Amen. Definition of food police: The only kind of police that does only harm and no good. Those haters and especially the ones threatening you make me lose faith in [part of] humanity. Seriously? Go and find a better cause to exert your energy, trolls. I hope that won't continue for you forever, Jordan. It's not cool to be the target of these people's brain farts just because you made your life public on the internet. While I'm still being a vegetarian and don't see myself strain from that because it makes me feel good I totally agree with all you said. I've tried hard to be vegan in the past but ultimately it involved so much ingredient-reading, next to no choices at family gatherings and overall constant obsession with food that I decided to let go. I'll still eat vegan if there's an option but if I crave cheese and have some at hand or a dessert I want to eat contains dairy I don't stress anymore. Life is too short to try so hard to stick with anything - a diet or else - that doesn't feel right for you. On another note: how did I miss you're about to publish a book?? That's amazing news. Congrats! What exactly will it entail? Or - if you talked about that in detail before - where can I find out more about it?

Jordan Younger

YES. The only kind of police that does only harm and no good!! Tooo ridiculous. I so appreciate your comment. And THANK YOU about the book... I am so thrilled about it. I just scheduled tomorrow morning's "Loving Lately" post, and it includes a good chunk of info about the book. Check back in the morning to read all about it! It's coming out next October and I am so thrilled I can hardly even wrap my head around the fact that it is happening!! Love to you. Thanks for the support. <3

Irina

It's absolutely disgusting that people have the audacity to impose their unwelcomed opinions into your life. Since when do we have to live in an all-or-nothing world? Since when are we not allowed to change our lifestyle as we see fit, especially when it comes to our health? Some people are so unhappy that they simply cannot stand seeing the happiness of others around them. You're doing everything right, girl! Keep it up :)

Jordan Younger

I could not agree more, Irina!! Thank you so much for your sweet words of support. People are just craaazy sometimes and their negativity and judgment blows my mind (like way out of the water)!!! I am so lucky to have such awesome readers like yourself. Thank you, darling!!

Tori-Leigh

Jordan, there's probably not much more to say and offer support - it's clear how many readers are proud and inspired by you and what you promote. A few negative haters will always make you cringe but positivity will always, always endure! It's absurd to know that you can make the best choice for you and others still feel the need to share their (negative) opinions. I've actually been criticized and called an elitist for eating organic food even by coworkers I see daily and it boggles my mind how anyone can have an opinion when it comes to someone else's healthy!

Jordan Younger

Aww, Tori-Leigh, thank you. I can TOTALLY relate to being criticized and called an elitist (and many other things of that nature) for eating organic food and for taking an interest in health in general ("but it's sooo expensive..."), I just tell people that health is an investment. And it's so true!! The most important thing is that we continue being true to ourselves in every way possible. THAT is what I call beautiful, and real balance. I so appreciate your support! Xox

Em @ Love A Latte

It shocks me that people are so rude to you. I'm really so sorry because you do not deserve that. I can't imagine handling that and I'm super impressed how you deal with it. Tell us more about your book (if you can!)

Jordan Younger

Thank you so much for the support, sweet girl. I just scheduled tomorrow morning’s “Loving Lately” post, and it includes a good chunk of info about the book. Check back in the morning to read all about it! It’s coming out next October and I am so thrilled I can hardly even wrap my head around the fact that it is happening!! Love to you. <3

Maggie

Jordan, you are truly a wonderful person. I really admire and look up to you! I am 16 and have been recovering from an eating disorder for about three months now. Every day I struggle with determining what foods are right for me, regardless of what other people have on their plates. Thank you for your positive words and stories!

Jordan Younger

Aww, Maggie, THANK YOU. That comment means the world to me. I share my story with the main intention of connecting with other girls who are going through something similar, and if I can help in any way then that makes me a very, very happy girl. I love having you as a reader and don't ever hesitate to reach out!! And lots of fun posts coming up :) :) xoxox

Jordan Younger

Jess-- it's so wonderful to hear from you!! I so appreciate your support, and I can always count on you to be on my page!! I hope all is well with you and life in Miami (are you still there?!?) and I SO agree that everyone is different and we all need to respect one another's ideas and differences. So much love to you, beautiful girl!
Jordan Younger

Wow, sounds like a dangerously similar story!!! It's so true that our bodies CHANGE and evolve and we are doing ourselves a total disservice by not listening to them in favor of adhering to a dietary label that worked for us years and years ago (or even days or weeks ago... change can be rapid, too!). I am so happy to hear that you have found your way toward more balance. Thank you for the support and kind words, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!! Love to you.
Jordan Younger

I so agree that people who get down on others for their ways of life / dietary habits (I mean, come onnn!), etc. are just unhappy in their own lives and want to tear other people down because of it. Wouldn't it be awesome if everyone was just positive and supportive?!?
Jordan Younger

WOW, Debbie, thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I am so inspired and so touched that you gave me a little glimpse into your journey. It is SO true that there comes a time for some of us to back off and mix and match labels and/or get rid of them entirely. And you put it perfectly when you say that you were born with the word "moderation" left out of your dictionary. That makes two of us, very much so!! I so appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to connect with you... to balance, to health and to happiness!! We've got this. Xox
Danielle

I have to admit, when I first found this blog, it was a tiny bit before you came out as orthorexic and I just remember thinking, wow, this girl is SO restrictive about her food choices. Coming off of an eating disorder, it was a little hard to look at this blog and think, okay it seems so easy for this girl to eat so ideally, vegan and healthy 100% of the time, when I struggle with it all the time. I hate that it sounds like you get so much negativity for your 'coming out' and recovery journey and I hate that you had to experience orthorexia, but I am sure many others, like me, find relief in the fact that it was also a struggle for you to maintain that as well. It makes you human. I have been in recovery for coming up on two years and let me tell you, it has been a long, hard road and I still struggle with food I "shouldn't" or wouldn't let myself eat before. People truly do not understand what a big deal it is to eat a cheeseburger or another food that you just absolutely would not even have considered before. I know when I am getting very tired and droopy feeling, that I need to eat a little bit of red meat. I rarely eat it, but with anemia, I have low iron levels and I also don't drink milk, so I have to boost those levels somehow. It takes a long time to actually listen to what your body is telling you, instead of hearing what you want it to be telling you, and I feel like when you start getting to that point, it is a victory that should be celebrated, not torn down by people who only believe in their strict idea of what is currently working for them. Sometimes you don't even realize how restrictive, and how much your entire life revolved around, your life and diet are until you have stopped doing those things (I hope that makes sense?). Keep your head up girl, I know that recovery is hard enough every day on its own, even without all the haters.
Jenn Lewis

I'm new to your blog but already I'm excited to read more! I'm in recovery (most days) from anorexia and exercise addiction and you are such a great role model and inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story and for your honesty and realness of your struggle.
Cassie

Love this, Jordan. I don't have time to be mean to people on the Internet, why do other people??? It's so frustrating!!
Innocencie

This is a really sad post and I hope that sometime in the future, you will be able to see how self-centered and selfish it is. Good for you to talk about orthorexia, your journey and your recovery. What is certainly NOT ok is to directly associate it with veganism, heck even blame and bash veganism for it. Why do you even call it as such, why not juicing, cleansing, extremely restricted plant-based diet etc...? That would be so much more accurate to your then lifestyle. Presenting veganism in such a bad light and even as dangerous to your health despite there being hundreds of other ways of how to eat well AND be vegan is just plain evil (which I guess does give you more coverage in the media...).