Compulsory calories on menus would’ve made my eating disorder worse
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The eating disorders charity Beat has expressed disappointment and concern about the government’s decision to make calories on menus mandatory, as it will increase feelings of distress, guilt and anxiety, and encourage “fixations” on counting calories. This legislation would have been evidence that my eating disorder was telling me the truth – that calories should be feared and I should avoid the pizza at all costs. When did it become considered “healthy” to track everything you eat, fear certain food groups and obsessively study the nutrition of every single thing we put in our mouths?