This is a post that has been a long time coming.
I’ve said it many, many times on my blog. I’ve added a disclaimer to the right hand side of my blog, but I think it deserves its own post as well.
As a “healthy living blogger” I think many people assume that I, and therefore my blog, follow the same habits of many other bloggers out there.
I blog in the morning, afternoon and evening and my posts cover the meals I eat around breakfast, lunch and dinnertime.
But here’s the thing: I eat constantly. I eat a lot of mini-meals and snacks that never make it on the blog.
The food I feature in my posts just happens to be the food I eat around a typical person’s breakfast, lunch and dinnertime.
In my two years of blogging, I can tell you with 100 percent honesty that never one time has everything I ate made it onto the blog. Not even close.
As a blogger, I’ve opened myself up to comments about the content I put out there and, therefore, comments and judgments about my food. In the exact same post one person may say “I don’t understand how you can eat so much!” while another person will say “Girl, go eat a bagel, that meal is tiny!” This happens all the time… in the exact same post.
When I’ve received comments about my smaller portions, I try to respond saying that I honestly eat whenever I’m hungry and I always feel satisfied. And I don’t post everything I eat on the blog.
Many, many times I’ll make myself a smoothie around 11 a.m. and then eat lunch at 12:30 p.m., so my lunch will be smaller, but the smoothie never makes it on the blog because the simple thought of snapping photos of everything I put into my mouth exhausts me and just doesn’t interest me.
I eat too often and too randomly to whip out a camera all the time without it feeling like a huge burden. I love not blogging about everything I eat because it’s really nice not to feel like I have to snap photos of all the food I consume. It gives me a break and a breather from food blogging.
And posts filled with tons of snacks and every single darn peanut butter finger I consume would probably make you want to pass out from boredom.
Reading comments about how little I eat bother me because I feel like I’ve said time and time again that I don’t post everything I eat on my blog and, if I’m being totally honest, some of these more pointed comments (not all of them in the least!) seem judgmental as if they’re trying to imply that I’m dieting (which I’m not) or don’t eat enough to fuel my body.
I feel confident about my food choices and know that I never feel hungry. I feel satisfied and know that I’m a healthy person. I hate that I felt the need to publish this post, but I just want to dispel any of the thoughts out there that this blog covers everything I eat.
In my personal life, none of my friends, family or those close to me have ever approached me about eating habits that they thought warranted concern. My best friends have called me the “bottomless pit” and my sister says she’s baffled when people comment about me not eating enough.
I’ve never struggled with an eating disorder and know how serious these disorders can be because I’ve seen a couple of my very close friends struggle and hate that anyone would ever think that this is an issue in my life.
It’s simply not.
I know it’s an issue for many and that breaks my heart but it’s simply not something I am personally struggling with in my life. Even writing about this makes me feel ridiculous because it’s not something I’ve ever had to defend in my day-to-day life and not something I ever predicted I would feel the need to defend in my life.
On a positive note, some of these comments have been eye opening to me in that they made me realize that I may have not have been clear enough on this blog about not posting everything that I eat. I definitely don’t want anyone out there to skim over my blog for the first time and think that they’re seeing everything that goes into my mouth, so I am planning on linking to this post in the text under my “Disclaimer” on the right hand side of this blog.
I apologize for such a wordy post about something that I never thought I would ever feel a need to explain, but I just want you guys out there to know the real deal.
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I hear you, Julie! I can understand where you are coming from and I felt that way when I was keeping a food journal that I ate so often that the thought of writing it ALL down (not to mention caloric count) was exhausting. Do you know how to generate calories from a calculator that you have used? I think Janetha does, but have not been able to find how she does it.
Keep on keeping on because you know what is best for you. 🙂 Bee Happy!
Can I just say that if all you posted on your blog was every morsel and bite of your daily food intake that I would never have followed you in the first place??
I thoroughly enjoy your blog because the emphasis is on the “living” aspect. You have a positive, upbeat attitude and you throw in plenty of sass to keep the conversation interesting. It’s the variety of things you write about combined with HOW you write about them that hooks me and keeps me coming back.
I have thankfully never suffered from an ED, but can certainly understand the potential negative impacts of reading about someone else’s food intake for those who have or do. But I do have to wonder if that’s where those hater comments are coming from …
You are a beautiful, healthy, and clearly happy young woman. That alone is enough to send some personalities into hater land. It sadly has nothing at all to do with who you are, what you eat, or how much you eat. They see you as an image, not a person, and you represent an image that they may aspire to but don’t feel they can achieve.
Jealousy and envy can eat away at the hardiest of hearts and I suspect some of that is what you’re getting in those comments.
Whew. Long-winded way of saying I’m with Paulie: You do you, girl! 🙂 That’s why I keep coming back.
PS it is because of you that I now know what a bagelwich is … and like ’em. Ha.
Aw Julie, I’m so sorry you felt the need to publish a post like this. That’s the main reason I’ve never wanted to do a food blog your words sum it up beautifully for me –> “The simple thought of snapping photos of everything I put into my mouth exhausts me and just doesn’t interest me.” I completely agree, and that is why my blog is more of a “lifecasting” blog. Chin up, girl! Just be you. That’s what we love you for!
You already know how I feel about this one, lady. Sorry you had to write it, but very well written. 🙂
I agree…if I blogged about the amount of snacks I eat in a day, I’d probably start turnin’ some heads. Ummm…handfuls of granola every hour? Yes, please!
This post reminds me of the part from The Help when one of the characters says “Ever morning, until you dead in the ground, you gone have to make this decision. You gone have to ask yourself, ‘Am I gone believe what them fools say about me today?’”
🙂
Honestly, it bugs me to see every single thing a person eats. You are right, it is boring. If you have oatmeal every single day, just say it, I don’t need another photo (or worse, reused photo, hate that) of a bowl of oatmeal. I’d rather see a photo of a cute puppy or what they are wearing to the gym that day.
I never judge about what a person posts about meals on their blog, unless they state that it is a food journal. And as a lot people say, who am I to judge? My blog is almost all sweets and hiking! I don’t eat all those sweets, and I try to remind people of that, but you know, it doesn’t work 😉
If someone is reading your blog to get diet advice as to what they should eat or shouldnt based upon your diet, is reading it for the wrong reasons. Ever body is so different that what works for you will not work for someone else. Even with regards to exercise you need to adjust levels, times based upon your body abilities. If they want diet advice they should see a RN who can give them a meal plan, otherwise read your blog for workout ideas, receipes, enjoyment 🙂
good for you, julie! honestly, most of those comments probably come from people who ARE struggling and trying to make themselves feel better. kudos for being honest and true to yourself 🙂
Not only have you said countless times, since I’ve read your blog, that you don’t post everything you eat, but who would? I doubt any blog I read has every item of food they consume, I know I wouldn’t want to display everything… It would take pages and pages 🙂
Also, who are they to judge your life anyway? Even if what you posted is all you ate, there is no reason to judge one another unless you’ve lived their life! 🙂 🙂
“Who are you to judge the life I live?
I know I’m not perfect
-and I don’t live to be-
but before you start pointing fingers…
make sure you hands are clean!”
This is one of my favorite quotes because it makes me think before I try judging someone because more than likely I wouldn’t appreciate their judgment on me.
I say keep doin’ what you’re doin’ because with all the fans and readers you have, you’re obviously doing something right! 🙂
I’m sorry you had to do this post but I admire you for addressing it. Some people think that they are responsible for telling others what to do and how to act… and the reality is… they are not! But by having blogs we do open ourselves up to criticism and I’m sure it’s especially frustrating because you are eating in a healthy way for your body. Keep doing what you’re doing girl and know that you are loved by so many of us out here!
Seriously, you’re awesome. Way to put yourself out there and be real with everyone. Everyone’s body, activity levels, metabolism, genetics, etc. is SO different, so for people to judge what you do and don’t eat is just ridiculous. I admire your healthy lifestyle and have never questioned your food choices. You look great and are healthy – why should people care?!
It’s unfortunate that you have to post this or that people feel the need to comment on what you do or don’t eat (except to say that most of the time I’m jealous and want a bite ASAP).
When I first started my blog, I resolved not to take a picture of everything because I want to be able to enjoy my food and I too snack a lot between meals. Who wants to see a pic of my daily banana/apple or the handful of almonds I have around 5? I wouldn’t.
I also wouldn’t want someone to follow my “diet” to either lose weight or for training purposes. We all should eat what we want and what is right for us. I don’t want or should be responsible for someone else’s health because of what I choose to fuel my body with.
Before I discovered PB Fingers:
1. I had never made a smoothie (now I crrravveee them)
2. I never really went to the gym. When I did, I did the same thing day after day. (now, I’ve fallen in love with exercising and discovered ways to switch things up so I don’t get bored)
3. I hadn’t heard of bic bands, a garmin, or rutabella fries. (now I own the first two and love creating the last one.)
4. I didn’t realize champagne coloured bridesmaids dresses could look so beautiful 😉 (I picked this colour for my girls to wear next month.)
5. I hadn’t heard of monthly date nights (now, they are a big event in our household
6. I didn’t know how fun Disney music was to run too 😉 (now, it’s on at least one of my gym playlists)
And so much more!!!
Thanks Julie for being an amazing writer and for opening your life up to us (your faithful readers!) I don’t like hearing about any negativity so I hope all these comments have made you smile. You deserve it!!
Hey Julie-
I am new to your blog but I can say I totally am a FAN! I love your take on eating healthy & healthy living. I think its great you don’t post everything you eat b/c then one would wonder… when does she have time to actually LIVE LOL. Thanks for all the helpful hints & receipes. As someone that has struggled w/ obesity & weight issues my whole life I appreciate it and look forward to using your post to help me with my own journey. I find it discouraging that you should even have to post such a thing but I think people take themselves & everything else too seriously sometimes, coming from someone who does not :-D. Again thanks & keep on blogging girl 🙂
Hi Julie sorry to hear about the negative comments. I used to be one of these people who would freak out if I had a brownie for dessert or fries with dinner and I would feel extremely guilty. ( I think i was borderline ED throughout most of college). Your blog helped me see how one can eat healthy and not be OCD about it so thank you! I think you’re a great role model for balancing healthy living with still having a life!
Girl that is so frustrating to hear! You have always been so clear that everything that goes into your tummy does not go into a post. Ugh haters be hating. hahah I think you are great!
Julie,
I have enjoyed your blog for over a year now, and never once did portion size cross my mind. I have enjoyed your meals, and I steal ideas all the time. I too eat many small meals all day, I feel that is the healthier way to eat. Please keep up the good work, I read this daily. PS, I did try to make the nutella granola, and it flopped, I will try again soon.
Honestly, with a blog called PB fingers, how could you post everything you eat? Your keyboard would be all smeared and your camera would have nut butter on the lens. It would just be a mess! 🙂
I was under the impression you did post everything you ate, because of the blog structure. I’m just curious why you do post your meals? If you think they truly are secondary material, why not just feature interesting meals and spend time developing the content you find more important?
Posting my meals is great motivation for me to experiment more and get creative in the kitchen – both things I love to do. While I’ll whole-heartedly admit that talking about my salmon salad isn’t what I’m most thrilled to write about in a given blog post, I do enjoy looking at blogs that post pictures of food for ideas and love sharing my own food ideas and talking about food w/ other people. In a way I feel like my meals are a vehicle to discuss healthy living and other topics I find interesting. I personally gravitate toward blogs that have a certain consistency to them and like to offer that in my own blog as well and that often goes back to my decision to post three times a day, centered around mealtimes.
This is so true, Julie, you write it perfectly!
Posting some meals (but not everything you eat – waaay to strict for me!) is a wonderful vehicle for talking about healthy living or life in general – whatever and whichever that may be on any particular day.
Plus, it provides a framework around which to write, offering a consistency for readers, and a starting point for writers. 🙂 xyx
Julie – I’ve been reading your blog daily for almost a year now and I’ve never thought that you have unhealthy eating habits. Not only do you eat and post well rounded meals daily, but I also took the time to read the “About” and “Disclaimer” sections of your blog when I first became a reader.
I’m glad you wrote this post becuase I’m sure it felt nice to get all of that off your chest…but you really shouldn’t have had to.
Keep on doing what your doing – you are a great example and your blog is so fun to read!
I love this post. I have always kept your disclaimer in the back of my mind as I have read this blog. I think that it is crazy that people leave these comments for you, and sad that they attack you when they don’t even know you. I am always inspired by your recipes and the things you eat (Your favorite bagelwich has become my breakfast for who knows how long now).
I am sorry that you have to deal with this. As well as all other healthy living bloggers out there. People just feel a need to tear down others and I don’t understand why. Being happy and seeing others eating healthy and being happy is a MUCH better way to live! 🙂
I completely understand your point here, and I never thought that you posted every thing you eat – the first time I read your blog I saw and understood your disclaimer on the right hand side, and I know from your activity level that you could not just live on the 3 meals you show us each day and be such a happy, bouncy, energetic and productive person 🙂 Never been an issue or a problem for me at all! I like it!
I would hate to post every little thing that entered my mouth, it would feel too rigid and almost obsessive for me personally, but the idea of posting a few things each day is awesome – I love the structure of your blog!
Just letting you know that I’m picking up what you’re putting down, lol! 😉
Big love, girl! 😀 lxyx
Julie, this post is AWESOME. I love your honesty, and I commend you!
All I can say is, no one knows you better than yourself.
Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re an inspiration!
good post! people can be so critical.
You go girl! If you just blogged about your food, this blog would not be the same. When I found your blog, I loved the fact you blogged about your adventures with Ryan, Sadie, and your family while incorporating ways you keep yourself healthy throughout the process! If you just blogged about food, I would want to know more about your personality!
Your blog is AMAZING and I think you should tell me to just shove it. Oh wait, I think you just did that 😉
LOVE this blog and LOVE your style, Julie!
Julie, I love your blog and NEVER once thought you had bad eating habits or starved yourself. No matter wha,t you will always have nay sayers, please don’t change one thing about your blog or yourself!! Have a beautiful day!! 🙂
Thanks for the great post! I cannot believe people can be so rude about the eating habits of others – also if they followed your diet and fitness for a day and only ate what you posted and also did all your workouts – they would realize that you definitely have to eat more to get the energy to do as much as you do! Are these people nuts (don’t answer that)!! I am just having a rough day at work. What would make this post even awesomer (is that a word??) – a butt shot of Sadie 🙂
I think a lot of the time, when people tell you that you eat too little, it’s really just because they are self-conscious about themselves and are worried about how much they eat. Sometimes I find myself thinking that reading blogs, even yours!, and remind myself that i’m just trying to make myself feel better! It’s just a blog, not a documentation of every part of your life. And we as readers shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to anyone else! I love my blog and reading others because they are great ways to reach out to other people and share fun and interesting parts of our lives, not to judge one another and compare! Thanks for this post!
Thank you for sharing with us! I love your blog exactly the way it is. Please don’t feel you have to change anything about it for a few commenters 🙂
Great post! I must admit, when I first started reading your blog about 18 months ago, I thought you DID post everything you ate (before you had the disclaimer). I didn’t know how you could do a killer workout first thing, then just a yogurt bowl would tide you over to lunch. BUT then you did a great post on all your snacks and how you don’t post everything you eat, and I was like, aaaaaaahhh, she eats like a real person! So definitely good to clear the air for all those new readers!
obviously so many people LOVe your blog and it is only a select few that feel the need to be so negative towards others. i think you do an amazing job of balancing everything that you do (and eat) and you should not at all feel as if you need to justify your choices. keep doing what you are doing! thats what i love about your writing!
Good for your Julie!!
PS – I had my first munster, dippy egg, jam, cinnamon raisin sandwich last night. It was AHMAZING!
ThAnks for your honesty Julie. I look forward to reading your posts every day. I know it’s so hard to take criticism sometimes. But just know that for every negative comment you have 1000 more devoted fans.
I’m a nutritionist, so I feel you on this one! Even my family members judge what I eat, what I make for family gatherings, how much I’m drinking, etc and it is exhausting to talk about food that much – even for a nutritionist! One of my favorite things about your blog is that it isn’t just about food, it’s about healthy living – the whole package – keep doing what you do! You’re great at it
Long time reader, never commented 🙁 but I love your blog and the overwhelming support you’ve received through this post alone just goes to show the good outweigh the mean and nasty jealous people who have no lives so choose to criticize others anonymously. REAL COOL GUYS. 😀
Hey Julie,
Here’s an idea for a future blog post. For ONE day why don’t you try and post and take pics of EVERYTHING you eat. I mean granted you wouldn’t do that every day because how time consuming would THAT be. But then maybe people would be able to be “referred” back to that post when they start to make comments or ask questions about this very topic. Just a thought …. 🙂
Julie,
When you get to the magnitude of blog yours seems to be (how many readers do you have?!), you will always have people find fault.
Remember…this is YOUR blog. Period. Run it as you see fit!
As a kind reminder (to all) – it is okay to say “yes” to the extra slice of cake. BUT it’s also just as okay to say “no” to any cake!! My point being, don’t let others make you feel you always have to indulge in excess to prove to others you are balanced. Saying “no” and skipping dessert does not mean you have an eating disorder! 🙂
Also, remember your words from a previous post (yes, I searched your blog for the exact quote, too much time on my hands today?!):
{Ryan’s mom said something to me the other week that I will never forget: “If you find yourself becoming defensive about something, maybe it’s because you have something to be defensive about.”}
My point here is, you don’t need to be defensive about your eating habits! It almost gives wind to what others criticize.
(Emotions are hard to relay in written form, I hope I did not come across as anything other than supportive of you – that is my intention here!)
“Those who mind don’t matter, those who matter don’t mind” – Dr. Suess
🙂
Carrie
i know and i TOTALLY thought of that quote before, after and during the writing of this post! but i literally HAD to make an exception here. i’m well aware that people may say that me feeling the need to post this somehow showcases that i don’t post everything that i eat. i juggled that thought with the thought that maybe people really DON’T know that i don’t post everything that i eat. in the end, i figured i’d rather have people know upfront what i’m all about and have to continue to defend myself (believe me, i’m not delusional enough to think this post will make it all go away), but i’d like to think that posting this may have helped at least SOMEONE to know that i don’t post everything that i eat – especially those who may be comparing their diets to mine.
I gotcha! I’m on your side girl, your blog is my #1 to read.
I think blogging puts you in a catch-22 for sure, but you handle it well, and with class!
Oh yeah and by the way … seriously don’t listen to those people who snark on you. How rude right? Everyone is a critic and it just doesn’t MATTER what they say. Good news and bad news is …. you will never really be able to satisfy them or make them happy …. because if that is all they can take away from your cute posts … then they weren’t real happy or complete in themselves from the get go! But I do think it would be interesting to switch it up and have a “24 hour day in the life of Julie’s stomach” post …. just because it would be fun to see the snacks, meals, etc. Then again … it might open you up to more comments … who really knows. But seriously …. you are supported on here I promise! 🙂
Who is picking on you Julie?! Do I need to come down there and knock some heads, southern style? Ha!
You could eat cardboard for dinner and it wouldn’t phase me! (Well maybe just a little, but you get my point)
I’ve been following you for a while now and you are an amazing writer! I literally get excited every time there is a new post! Don’t let negativity get in the way of doing what you’re doing because YOU are awesome and so is this blog.
That being said, I can completely relate. Being a fitness competitor, I get a lot of questions/comments/oppinions about what I am eating. My conclusion – the bottom line is that no matter how much or how little you do eat, it is your business (and people could comment, people like to talk!). Do what you love and eat what you like. You don’t have control over what others think or feel, you only have control over your own thoughts and feelings, so as long as you are happy, that is all that matters =)
Thank you so much for an amazing blog! Makes my train rides to and from work much more enjoyable!
Personally, I don’t think it would be a good idea to have a post where you blogged about every meal and snack you ate. That would just feed into the negativity. And really, you have no reason to defend yourself, so why defend? For whom?
I think you got your point across in a mature, calm, yet assertive way. Your readers know that you are real and healthy. And the few haters out there might just ALWAYS be negative regardless of what you post about and how you defend yourself.
Just my 2 cents 🙂
I understood how the blog worked, and I really like the daily breakdown! I’ve gotten so many ideas from your blog…meal wise, snack wise, and workout wise:) I’m sorry that people left you negative comments – hopefully this post is all you need to set the record straight for people.
Keep up the good work Julie!
You go girl and I am sure it was hard to be OPEN and write this post. I personally love you and your blog soo much and read it every single day without fail.
I think you live a balanced, healthy, fun life and eat-whatever-your-pb fingers-heart desires.
Oy, people need to chill out. You shouldn’t feel the need to put disclaimers, posts, and comments up on your blog explaining your eating habits. I understand why bloggers feel pressure to make it clear that they don’t post everything that they eat, but readers need to be realistic and understand that, in order for a blogger to maintain THAT amount of dedication, their entire day would be spent cataloging their food. Silly.
That being said, good for you for standing up for yourself. That took guts.
I love your blog! I have to admit that I always thought what you posted was your main diet, but I def never hated on you. For me it was the total opposite and thought you were so disciplined and I always wished I could have your eating structure! Good to know you eat a lot more! Thanks for your awesome blogs!
This was a great post, Julie! I don’t understand why people are criticizing, though perhaps they were just very mis-informed about how your blog works. I love that you don’t post everything that you eat. That would be WAY too exhausting. Keep up the great blog posts!
Honestly, I’ve never noticed that your meals seem small. In fact, they always seem tasty and filling. Plus, come on you just told us yesterday that you ate froyo before dinner. Snacks rule!
one of the your firsts posts i legit remember reading was about eating boxed mac and cheese(i forget when but it was a long time ago). it was so humanizing because i occasionally do that when i get home from work and class and im tired …it was so nice to know someone who took care of her body and took care of her health was willing to admit she’s swam in the kraft sea, too. it was obvious that it hadnt been your only meal all day, or something you ate everyday–just a random thing. people are crazy, you could write a blog about training ostriches to graffiti the white house and you still shouldn’t have to justify what you write or do. never give someone else that kind of censoring power, it’s usually people who dont deserve it.
love this post!! In my opinion I think the people who comment about your food choices in such a ridiculous manner are just self conscious or unhappy with their own food choices. As long as you feel good it shouldn’t matter!