Eating is Resistence

It is no mistake that oppressive systems perpetuate food insecurity and the ideal of thinness.

How can you resist when you are hungry? Weakened? Disconnected from your own cells?

Insecurity in the most intimate of settings. Planting pain, fueling distrust, eroding endurance.

Come to see that eating is power. Eating is resistance.

Eating fully, deeply. Eating to meet the hunger of the being.

Eating to provide glucose to cells, who cry “Thank you! Thank you! I will carry on.”

Even if nobody else is choosing me, I choose me. I choose my cells. I connect to myself, strengthen myself, empower myself by eating.

“I exist. I am here” I proclaim by eating.

When violence attempts to erase, to suppress and oppress human beings, eating is resistance.

Eating declares “No. I disagree. I will be living.”

“My body is alive. My life is important. I will be eating.”

Eating is energy giving, pleasure giving, comfort giving. Life giving.

Consuming food that brings nostalgia and connection

Across time and place to the foods that have sustained you, your roots.

Is allowing teeth and stomach to gloriously alchemize

Until each cell is tended, met, provided for.

To allow the Earth to sustain and support your creature being.

If you are weary, and the world feels too heavy to bear

I offer tender care to your spirit.

Reverence for your presence despite the pain.

Honor to the parts of you that have always found a way to continue.

And the loving suggestion that if nothing else today

Eating is resistance.

In solidarity,

Sydney

If you are experiencing food insecurity, please consider checking out these Seattle-based food access resources.

About the Author

Sydney Carroll is a dietitian based in Seattle, WA. They support people who are healing from eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image shame.