Polenta IS cornmeal, so it’s very similar to cornbread, haha 😀

Love “Robo-Maggie” 😉

The whole food blog/eating disorder issue is relative to the blogger – if the blogger has an eating disorder, then it’s related. If the blogger is a FOODIE (I’m a foodie!!), and loves food photography (which IS a profession) and/or cooking and baking, then that’s probably why they blog. That’s why I blog and read food blogs!! 🙂

I’m not trying to be offensive, but when I first ran into your blog I thought you had an ED. Once I started reading that thought was quickly dispelled, but I thought it was kind of weird that someone would take pictures and analyze EVERYTHING they eat. After reading your story and following your posts for a few weeks, I am inspired by you. It takes a much stronger person to be in control of their food intake than not to. I lost 30lbs about 3 years ago by keeping a food diary and basically being obsessive about every calorie I put in my body. I also started running againg. I lost it the healthy way. It’s so nice to read about others who went through a similar journey, because when I was doing it I felt like the only fat girl out there, and like people didn’t understand why I couldn’t eat this or that whenever I wanted. I love reading your blog and getting inspiration to be healthier myself, and I’m happy to hear that you are helping others (those with ED and those without).

veggie girl – i agree!

girlrunningaround – no offense taken! i’m glad you stuck along long enough to realize i just enjoy living a healthy lifestyle…. and SERIOUS kudos for losing 30 lbs!! thats amazing and very impressive.

heh funny i’ve been thinking about this very topic recently as well! i sometimes wonder, “am i being too obsessed with this whole thing?” but i actually don’t think i am.

first like you, i love to write. i love to create as well – i’ve always been into visuals, decorating, and art. sometimes i feel like a weirdo trying to take “pretty” food photos, but i really like the end result when publishing a post – its a hobby! my dream is to become a Food Stylist one day.

i also told kath that when i first saw her blog i was amazed that she was able to take photos of everything. now, i really don’t see it is that big of a deal at all.

i’m not going to pretend that i have a totally healthy relationship with food, but i feel like blogging and the whole blogging community really helps me keep on track.

thanks for sharing and the great question!

Great post today. I guess my perspective on the whole issue is that yes, I totally see how food blogs can cause obsession with food/fitness/health-related things. I think that it is more about the person reading the blogs, rather than the ones who are writing them. I started reading food blogs towards the end of my recovery, and honestly, I was probably a little obsessed at first. But, now that I’ve started my own, I look at food blogs as a way to connect with people who are SIMILAR to me, and have a similar interest in HEALTHY LIVING. Sadly, I am not personally surrounded by a bunch of oatmeal-eating, peanut butter lovers (I wish). So I come to this community to find that sense of familiarity in this one aspect of my life. Also, it helps me to be a little bit more accountable for treating myself right. I can’t undereat/overexercise AND lie about it on my blog, I just wouldn’t feel right about it. So blogging helps me embrace my healthy lifestyle and share it with others. I agree about the meeting online friends, definitely something I never imagined I would do, but I love it! Also, I think food blogging is a fun and great way to share/find new recipes and meal ideas!

Have a great day Caitlin!

Very interesting question, Caitlin! I don’t have a food blog, but I do read them often and I agree that there is a fine line between having fun with it and obsession. The thing is, our society as a whole is not normal/ healthy about food (or else why would we have such an obesity problem at the same time as we have a billion dollar weight-loss industry?) So maybe in another world the food blogging community wouldn’t be necessary but as it is, it is a GREAT support for people striving to be healthy and balanced amidst the craziness and all the mixed messages out there. It can be a great resource if you are recovering from an ED, trying to get healthy for the first time, or just trying to maintain your sanity. I agree with Jengirl it would be great if we were all surrounded by healthy-minded, balanced oatmeal eaters all the time but since we aren’t at least we can be virtually. 🙂

I see blogs that detail every meal as a visual food journal — not necessarily as an indication of an ED. Some write it down, others take pictures. I’ve never gotten the ED vibe from this blog.

I read blogs for inspiration and to get new ideas and perspectives.

I blog because I’m a writer, have an interest in photography, and as a long-time member of WeightWatchers, I was so tired of other members thinking they had to eat fat free cheese, light bread and 100-calorie packs. I wanted to show you could real food that actually tastes good and still lose weight.

You raised a great topic! I think everyone of us have a reason doing it. I share with you that writing is so fun and healing..(in my case, I can practice english writing), that sharing with the blog community our life and our thoughts is so great! because this little community is so warm and supportive and somehow we read each others blog because we have something in common (our healthy lifestyle that people out of this community find hard to understand).
I enjoy reading your blogs because you inspire me in term of good eats/good workout and most importantly, positive attitude toward life.

oh…polenta is so yummy~~~~~

I think reading food blogs could be helpful because they can show that you can have a healthy relationship with food.
I also think that they could potentially be harmful because we always compare ourselves to one another even though we have different needs. I think if they start making you feel bad about yourself, then it’s probably not a good idea to read them.

As for me, I love reading food blogs because:
1.) I find new recipes I want to try.
2.) I love discovering new foods to try.
3.) It’s fun seeing other people love food as much as I do!

I think having your own food blog could be helpful because it makes you more aware of what you eat since you are recording it.
I also think it could potentially be harmful if you become obsessed with taking pictures all the time of your food or becoming obsessed with what you eat and how much you eat and worrying what your readers will think. If it gets in the way of other things in your life or starts stressing you out, then I think it is time to stop blogging.

I started a food blog to:
1.) Make sure I get enough variety in my diet – fruits, veggies, grains, etc.
2.) Improve my photography skills – still working on this but I love to take pictures of my meals from different angles and try to make each photo look mouthwatering.
3.) It’s fun to make my meals look pretty – I love when I plate my food really nice and special.
4.) I’m trying to learn how to cook and like having a place to record my thoughts on how the dish turned out.

For me, reading food blogs and having my own food blog is a lot of fun. I love being a part of such a fun and supportive community!

Wow, sorry this comment was so long!

For me, reading the blogs is mostly about the pictures. However, I really also like using people’s blogs for new ideas for food. I have a hard time being creative coming up with healthy meals that aren’t breakfast. I’m good with breakfast =P

jenny – hahah way to be off topic. 🙂 just kidding.

YES, i am changing my name and i am SOOO excited to change my name! i love my name, don’t get me wrong, but i’ve always dreamed of taking my husband’s name and creating a family together. i am going to make my maiden name my 2nd middle name, though, just so i get to keep it. 🙂 are you going to keep yours?

I am doing the same thing with my name. 🙂 I used to worry it would make me seem old-fashioned, but I agree that for me it’s 100% about starting a new family, together, and that means so much to me.

P.S. – Food blogs also help me when I need inspiration for lunch or dinner! I always have a hard time deciding what to eat/make for my husband – I copy your meals, Kath’s meals, and VeggieGirl’s meals ALL the time!

Caitlin,
I think that this is a really interesting topic to bring up. I have been overcoming eating issues that I accumulated in college, and can honestly say that these blogs have helped me. It is so great to really see what a healthy, active woman eats in one day .. including dessert, drinks, etc. When I was in college everyone had such a skewed perspective of what “normal” was, and the view on eating seemed to be as little as possible is best.

Not only do I now understand that I need food to fuel my body, but everyone’s interesting food combinations have really helped me branch out and ENJOY food! (Hello, pumpkin, sweet potato, oatmeal, greek yogurt!!) And your passion for running has really motivated me to run this half-marathon (Nov 23rd ahhhh!)

It is interesting, though, that I don’t tell other people that I look at blogs that focus on food. I feel like my family and friends may think that I was being obsessive/unhealthy as I have been in the past. Kindof like you say some people don’t understand your blogging. I guess some people secretly look at porn on the internet … I think my tastes are a little better than that 🙂

KEEP IT UP!!

Great topic!

I stumbled on Food Blogs as I as trying to lose weight and following others that were sucessful with weight loss really helped me along. They actaully taught me not to be overly obsessive with what I ate and that it was ok to splurge and then hop back on the wagon. I think food blogs are great for that reason and that is why I started my own. Now that I have mind I feel so much love from the food blog community I feel like we’re our own little family 🙂

tami – im glad i conveyed the wedding dress issue in the way i wanted to. trust me, i wrote that paragraph like 12 times! i wanted people to understand that i’m happy where i am right now, but i’d also like to fit into my dress without costly alterations, so im going to try to lose a few pounds for wedding purposes only. its not a vainity issue, its a money issue! LOL

i felt like i had to mention it on the blog because my eating habits are changing slightly (like skipping rice at a thai restaurant… normally that would never happen b/c i hardly eat out and i like to enjoy myself when i do!) and i didnt want to leave readers in the dark. i try to be honest with you guys!!

Hi Caitlin,
Great question! I discovered the food blogging community completely by accident. I never even knew it existed. I have always been about taking care of myself, but I knew I wasn't eating the most healthy foods. I guess I felt like as long as I maintained my weight, it didn't matter what I put in my mouth. I was definitely more focused on fitness than nutrition, but I was being stupid because I didn't seem to realize how important it was to fuel my body properly. I had an A HA! moment about 6 months ago when I became very focused on nutrition. I not only wanted to look healthy, I wanted to EAT healthy, too. I discovered Cristin's blog Eat Like Me and from there I was introduced to many other food blogs. It was such an interesting concept to me and I found the blogs to be extremely helpful in helping me to discover new foods & ideas that were nutrition packed and delicious at the same time! Because of these blogs, I have "discovered" favorite new foods and tried things that I never would have tried before! Your blog is my favorite because I can relate so much to you and we both are runners! I am so thankful that I found these blogs- you guys all help me stay focused & healthy! Everyone is so nice & supportive, too. The food blogging community is unlike any other and I am so glad I have all these great blogs to follow day in and day out!

I very recently discovered food blogs and like everyone else thought they were kind of strange. But I kept reading and am completely addicted! I love reading them because they introduce me to new things (like greek yogurt and delicious oatmeal concoctions) and help me focus on living a healthy lifestyle. Its nice to see what real people eat. Actually, reading food blogs made me realize I wasn’t eating enough. I’ve never had an eating disorder or anything, I just didn’t realize how much my calorie needs would change when I added more exercise! Now I realize how much I should eat so I don’t get hungry and snack on unhealthy things.
I think the blogging community is fabulous!

Although I don’t have a food blog, I read several of them daily. They have actually been an invaluable source of inspiration to me in my recovery from an eating disorder. All of the bloggers that I choose to read seem to have a very healthy relationship with food and really seem to enjoy blogging. I have, however, seen some food blogs that aren’t as focused on leading a healthy lifestyle. Generally speaking, I think that these blogs are detrimental to girls with eating disorders. I also see the possibility of some girls initially focusing on healthy food decisions (showcased in food blogs) and then becoming compulsive about what they eat. (That’s actually how my eating disorder began when I was 14. I took my healthy eating habits to an extreme level because I was uneducated about proper nutrition). At any rate, eating disorders are extremely complex, and there are so many variations of them that it’s a fine line between healthy and dangerous. On a more positive note, you do a fabulous job with your blog, and you (and your fellow bloggers) have definitely helped me make positive decisions when it comes to my health.

I am in the process of recovering from a very severe eating disorder. I obviously have an extremely unhealthy relationship/obsession with food. I happened upon your blog one day (don’t even really remember how), but you have helped me realize that it is possible to eat delicious foods without gaining weight. Your blog has really helped the recovery process and I thank you for that! I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that.

reading everyone’s positivity is so encouraging… THANK YOU!

newby – ohmigod that sounds terrible!!! honestly, i would go to a doctor only because you stated the problem in such severe terms. you could have a blood pressure issue or something similar.

however, the cold air does make it hard for me to breathe sometimes when running!

First and foremost, I must give you the required KUDOS for such a great blog. You really inspire me that eating can be creative and still healthy and LOOK Delicious! but polenta, im confused, does it taste like cornbread, it looks really good but i am fearful to try it.

anon – hmmm a very thought-provoking response! im curious (just playing devil’s advocate), do you think bloggers like kath and i should NOT point out that we’re making changes to lose a few pounds and just silently make the change, hoping that no one will notice? b/c there’s certainly nothing wrong with trying to lose a few pounds to get back to maintenance or for a special event (i’d argue). i do worry that my comments will trigger someone, so its hard for me to draw the line between honestly and “responsibility”, as you put it. i’m curious to hear more, i hope you respond!

christina – thanks soooo much for responding… your comment was really enlightening. its truly hard for me to balanced being a good role model with the fact that i’m an actual real-life person with all the normal ups and downs! i really, really appreciate hearing your thoughts!

I blog because I am a total foodie, and I’m heading into a culinary profession.

I love to read fitness/food blogs because health is important to me, and I like to read about that too! I love the community blogging about food has brought together, it’s so supportive.

I often think about this myself and it’s one reason why I started a blog. I am not an expert in anything, but I do think someone who is already a little sensitive to food/body issues might read a food blog and feel bad about themselves or be reading about food instead of eating food. Again, I am not expert. I think food should be fun, so Mark and I try to have fun.

I do want to tell you I think your blog is, in my opinion, one of the best examples of a truly healthy balance. You eat a lot of great foods and move a lot. I love it! And you give me good recipes.

I’ve been reading food blogs for a while, and am even thinking of starting my own. Of course when I first came across a few I thought it was a little obsessive (taking photos of every thing), but it actually helped me realize I was probably not eating enough for the level of working out that I do. So when I started taking little tips like bars, or adding some pb to my oats or having that afternoon snack, my life greatly improved because I was no longer in a bad mood all the time from my blood sugar dropping. So, in a very long way (sorry) I’m just trying to say what a person gets from food blogs (both reading and writing them) is entirely up to them. I think people should focus more on the healthy lifestyle aspect of it more than anything else 🙂

Polenta is so awesome and it tastes like cornbread to me too. I love food blogging for all the recipes, food ideas, and friends!

I started food blogging for so so so many reasons! I am going to post fully on my blog because I think its a great topic.

I love to write, I want to get into publishing/research/writing etc.
I found myself making really creative foods and recipes and wanting to take pictures of it because ” it just looks so good!” and be able to make it again!

I wanted to improve my photography, and get out my creativity in an influential positive way.

I love the “community” created and love making “friends” that have the same interests as me- which has been hard for me to do over the years.

As I am first admitting to this community, I did suffer from an eating disorder for about 10 years. I struggled with bulimia and through a long recovery process, I have written several blogs that I kept most private. I found that writing was the only way for me to face my problems, not stuff my face and feel quilty about it , then engage in even worse behaviors to make myself feel better. It was such a viscious cycle, writing ( poetry at first actually) helped me work through my thoughts, work through my feelings that I often dealt with in such incredibly awful, unhealthy ways.

I read a book that impacted my life and I also met an absolutely amazing person (Jeff) that woke up me from my coma of ED and realize that I never should take life for granted. I found that I had several areas of my life that were very unbalanced. I would workout way too much when I wasn’t studying. Or I would spend days studying like crazy and not be able to exercise. I never really did anything to fill my soul…. I filled my emptiness with food in hopes of filling my hunger in life, and food never helped it.

I didn’t realize how un-balanced my life was then. Now, I write my blog so that I can keep myself balanced- remind myself of the great things I am doing. I also write in hopes of encouraging others to keep a more balanced lifestyle- balance body, mind, and soul.

I would love to help people recovering from eating disorders, if nothing more to be a form of support. Someone who has lived through, who knows the depths it can take you. Some one who knows what its like to recover from that as well.

Hello, I’m a lurker! But I decided I’d like to add my two cents, so here goes:

I’ve struggled with an ED for several years, and at this point in my recovery I find reading blogs that portray a healthy, balanced diet such as yours inspire and encourage me to be healthy. Sometimes when I’m having a particularly hard time, reading things here and on other blogs like Kath Eats and Eat, Live, Run help me to redirect my thoughts and stay focused on what I really want to achieve: being healthy and happy! I don’t think you should worry about furthering someone’s eating disorder, as they are very complex and are actually not about the food; restricting food or bingeing and purging is only a symptom! They stem from far more complicated and deep problems within a person’s life, and recovery comes from finding and dealing with whatever the real issue or issues are, not just eating more.

I personally think you are helpful and inspiring! Thank you 🙂

I think most readers seem to have a handle on things as do most bloggers. I, however, read blogs mostly as meal replacements. Not such a good handle. Also, if I’ve had a binge, I won’t read blogs that day because I’ll feel bad. Inversely, sometimes I’m able to attain a sick sense of triumph from knowing that I’m eating “better” than a blogger for a particular day, week, or month, etc.

Hi see bride run!

I was a little apprehensive about writing this comment but after some thought, I decided to write this.

I am currently am struggling with an eating disorder, but also in treatment. Anorexia & Bulimia are horrible & I am really glad to hear you don't suffer from it :). I came across food blogs because of my preoccupation with food, one of the biggest symptoms of an ED.

I read a few comments and agree with those who say you really shouldn't care how your blog affects those with an eating disorder. It is there own issue and they CHOOSE to read food blogs. If it impacts them negatively, they shouldnt look at food blogs! Not in your control! Anyways.. Enough with my ramblings..

You really inspire me! I'm rather jealous that you can eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle and be HAPPY! I want to someday live a life like you and some of the other bloggers.

There are a few members of my family that know about my blog and have kind of given me that "weird" look when they see I take pictures of everything. They don't quite understand what it is all about – I blog for an outlet that is ALL my own because I love to write, I love to cook, I love to exercise and I love that there are others out there like me (I am the oddball exerciser to my family & to my in-laws). It's hard when people don't share the same passions as you. I don't get a lot of adult contact during the day as a stay at home mommy so when I get comments or questions on my blog I feel connected to our community – the blogworld rocks!
I love to read other blogs to get ideas for healthy meals – sometimes I get into a rut and have a hard time whipping up yummies for my family. When you I see healthy & delicious looking pictures it inspires me to create meals that I probably wouldn't have thought to try.
If by chance someone with an ED stops by my blog I want them to see that you can enjoy life with food.

Thank you for bring up this topic – great discussion.

I know I am late but just wanted to add:

The blogs mentioned and all I have seen linked from yours, Caitlin, show a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits, so I think it is less harmful than “diet” blogging would be.

That said, I think there are two “dangerous” aspects of the blogs.

1. If you have an ED or are trying to recover I would never suggest keeping up with these blogs as those with ED already possess a sense of “obsession” about food as it relates to their body image. I know there are girls saying that the blogs helped them, and I belive them, but I would just think overall “accountability” for every morsel you ingest would be a dangerous thing for someone recovering, at least for the few women I know that have had an ED.

2. The working-out aspects of blogs. I think it is awesome that you are such an avid runner or that Kath gets herself to the gym or runs every single day (this raises the question about taking a break but…). The harm I see coming frmo this though is I know several women with an addiction to exercise and viewing a blogger going non-stop only makes the mind feel “guilty” for taking a rest day. I know on other blogs people have even posted that their body felt in need of a gym break but they read that the blogger got up at 5 a.m. to get to the gym so “I can too, there’s no excuses.” I have seen this mentality be detrimental to women I know.

That’s all, just my two cents.

PS- I love your wedding hat from the other day SO cool.

I will be participating in a pilot study for a Digital Food Diary at a major cancer research center. It seems that the professionals are starting utilize the equivalent to food blogging too. If I find out any results, and they let me, I will share what happens.

Hi Caitlin,
This is a really great post. I never had an eating disorder but I was definitely on the track to one a few years ago when I obsessed over everything I ate and every minute of exercise I did. Reading nutrition/fitness blogs actually helped me to get back on track and to stop giving my self such a hard time for eating normal amounts of food or for skipping a workout. I am starting my own blog now to try and stay motivated but I haven’t been taking pictures of everything I eat because I don’t want to begin obsessing over it again. I do think that if you have a healthy relationship with food (which you definitely do) then its great to post pictures of your meals. It gives me good ideas on what I can make. I think you are a great blogger and I really enjoy and am motivated by your blog. 🙂

thanks,
kirsten

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Deborah

Term Life Insurance

Sorry for the double post, but I just saw this:

'It takes a much stronger person to be in control of their food intake than not to.'

SO true. It's easy to not do anything and eat whatever is there. Getting off your butt and moving, or buying different and healthier foods requires more effort every time.