Better Than Balance: How I’m Finding Peace Through Diet Neutrality

Danielle • Nov 24, 2019

When it comes to health and eating well, the word balance is used A LOT. It’s a mindset that revolves around giving a little here, so you can take a little there – I ate a salad for lunch, so now I can skip the gym, or eat a cookie for dessert. For some people, this works, but for many others, trying to find the “perfect balance” just causes frustration, comparison, and confusion, especially when it comes to #dietculture and #bodypositivity. 

It’s no secret that I’ve struggled with food and obsessed over it to the point where it literally ran my life. It consumed my thoughts, took up hours of my day, and I was constantly stressed about what I was going to eat. Every aspect of my life revolved around food, and I was stuck in a vicious cycle of eating “clean” and then being “bad”. 

Eventually I had had enough, and knew I couldn’t keep letting food control my life, so I began my journey into looking at food as a source of nourishment and nurturing, and instead of finding “balance”, I set out to find what my mind and body were actually craving. 

I began to satiate my souls hunger with meditation, journaling, saying no, therapy, coaching, my intuition, and my obsession with controlling what I ate, over-eating “junk”, or mindlessly eating to fill a void, slowly dissipated.

For me the idea of balance never inspired a positive mindset, and it takes me back to that idea of “good” and “bad”, so instead I shifted my focus to neutrality.

Neutrality to me is embracing what is without judgement. There’s no “good” or “bad”, there’s just being, and focusing on things more important than our weight or how our butt looks in our jeans. There’s no judging others or ourselves if someone doesn’t eat the same way as us, there’s just doing what is best for our own bodies. I’m at a point in my life where I want to be neutral with everything…food included. Whether I’m plant-based or not, whether I’m 10 pounds heavier or not, I want to inspire people to focus on #dietneutrality and #bodyneutrality. I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror or look at my plate of food and feel neutral, and I want that for you too! 

Six months ago, I never would have bought Cali’Flour Foods pizzas, because I was so ingredient obsessed! But now I’m shifting my energy towards new things, and focusing on popping a pizza in the oven and sharing a meal with my husband, instead of worrying about the cheese. 

I’m a firm believer that what we allow ourselves to obsessively think about will determine the quality of our life, and by shifting my thoughts away from food and focusing inward on things that bring me joy, I was able to completely transform my life and overcome a struggle that once felt impossible to beat.

I’m no longer obsessing, or judging brands, people or places. I’m neutral, we’re all one, and we’re all just trying to do our damn best! While it’s obvious I have a “healthy” diet, I don’t see it that way. I see it as a lifestyle that I love and one that nourishes me on all levels: physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

Cali’Flour has helped me so much in this transition, because they’ve made it easy for me to make a quick, healthy dinner, so I can spend more time focusing on my relationships, and less time worrying about ingredients.

Since I’ve embraced neutrality, food doesn’t have power over me anymore, and if I crave a sweet cozy cookie ,or a Supreme Veggie pizza , I’ll have it – without the guilt or obsession.

If you’re struggling with obsessive thoughts over food, or trying to find that “perfect balance” when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, I challenge you to begin your journey to neutrality, and shifting your energy towards your passions, your relationships, and your physical, mental and emotional health. The freedom that comes with neutrality, and following your intuitions instead of trying to fit a perfect balance, will change your life, just like it’s changed mine.

By Danielle Shugg 16 Nov, 2023
My 2023 gift guide is here! After polling the community to see which guides they want to see most, I've worked hard to create these gift guides to help you find the most perfect gifts for everyone on your list. I hope you love them!
By Danielle Shugg 20 Jun, 2023
Stay cozy all summer long with cool, soft fabrics from Cozy Earth! Use code MINDFULBLONDE40 to save, and shop my favourite items below.
15 Aug, 2022
Our home makeover was such a labor of love - and we couldn't love how it turned out more! Scroll down for photos, and to shop the items we used!
More Posts
Share by: