What Not To Say At The Thanksgiving Table | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Friendships

11 Diet-Centric Comments That No One Needs At The Thanksgiving Table

Yes, I really do want all of these mashed potatoes.

118
11 Diet-Centric Comments That No One Needs At The Thanksgiving Table
Unsplash

In This Article:

If you're desperately trying to avoid political talk with family this Thanksgiving holiday, then believe me, I feel you. BIG mood. It's a painfully relatable topic for many people.

However, food and weight are also sensitive and unhelpful topics of conversation we should try hard to avoid. They don't make anyone feel good, and frankly, are a lil awkward. For the sake of us all, please try to avoid saying the following statements:

1. "Are you SURE you want all of those mashed potatoes?"

Giphy

Yes. Yes I'm sure.

2. "Wow, they really got a ton of food, didn't they?

Giphy

I'm gonna need you to stop. No need for the food police here.

3. "I didn't eat all day so I could eat all of this tonight."

Giphy

"Saving calories" is not a healthy practice and can lead to binging. It can also trigger you or someone else who struggles with disordered eating.

4. "Well, I'll definitely have to go to the gym tomorrow to work all of these calories off!"

Giphy

Calories are not something to be feared. One meal won't make you gain weight, and if it does, so what.

5. "OMG, I ~totally~ just binged on that Thanksgiving meal."

Giphy

Are you sure that was a binge? Try to be sensitive to those who struggle with clinical binging.

6. "I won't be eating all week after this."

Giphy

Again, skipping meals or trying to "make up" for a big meal is unhealthy, unhelpful and potentially triggering.

7. "Have you lost weight? You look so good now!"

Giphy

Losing weight does not always mean healthier, and we shouldn't demonize gaining weight or put someone's worth on their weight. Try real compliments instead.

8. "Ooh they've really gotten fat, haven't they."

Giphy

While fat is a descriptor, not a bad word, many people still use the word "fat" with negative connotations. Let's celebrate Thanksgiving the way it should be, with family and food and positivity.

9. "My diet starts tomorrow LOL."

Giphy

Diets are unsustainable, dangerous and don't work. They're also the biggest predictor of an eating disorder. Let's just not go there, okay?

10. "Ugh this is so fattening/calorie-laden."

Giphy

Your point is? Food doesn't have moral value.

11. "I'm being so good today because I ate a salad/didn't eat dessert." Or "I'm being so bad today for having two desserts."

Giphy

Food does not have moral value, and we cannot be defined by what we eat. Simple as that!

Let's celebrate this holiday like it should be: with family, friends and thanks. Start conversations about the good things going on in people's lives. Talk about what you're thankful for in each other. Talk about what you're thankful for in general. Update each other on your lives and seek to listen more than you speak.

And for the good of everyone, please don't make a food-related or weight-related comment. It's just not the point. Thank you!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

918
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments