Have you heard the term “all foods fit”? It seems to be a bit controversial with intuitive eaters embracing it and those caught up in diet and wellness culture condemning it. So I thought we could dig a little deeper into what it means so you can decide for YOURSELF how you feel about it.
Plus I’m sharing my favourite black bean brownie recipe (if you’re saying “ew”, keep reading!).
The term “all foods fit” is used to suggest that all foods can be a part of a nutritious, healthy way of eating. There’s no one food that you need to avoid (unless allergic!) or that will ruin your health.
Now, people who don’t like this term argue that it encourages people to eat too much “junk food” (not a term I like but you know what it implies). They say that it may encourage moderation but that moderation is difficult to define.
People, like myself, who do like this term say that it helps you have a better relationship with food by limiting restriction and therefore avoiding so much overeating whether that’s in general or with specific foods. All foods fit can help remove the guilty feelings around eating certain foods or the need to obsess over balance like omg I ate a brownie I must just have a salad for dinner.
When we make room for all different types of food in our diet (way of eating, not weightloss program), we remove the pressure we feel from Diet and Wellness Culture to eat certain things and avoid others. It becomes easier to figure out what we actually want and need. We can find the foods that satisfy us without worrying about labeling them as good or bad or junk or healthy.
The term all foods fit isn’t just a reminder that you can have things like brownies, but also that you can eat whatever version of brownies you feel like. Sometimes I want a really classic, fudgy brownie with a crispy top but other times I crave these black bean brownies whether it’s because I want their fluffy texture or maybe I know I need some more protein/fiber and this is a delicious way to get that. “Diet foods” like trying to make more nutrient dense versions of food can easily fall into diet culture but they don’t have. The difference between the two is, are you eating it because you’re afraid to eat the “real” version or are you simply choosing what will satisfy and serve you best? If it’s the latter, go for it!
Fluffy Black Bean Brownies
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup oil (coconut, olive oil etc)
2 eggs
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Dash of sea salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Combined the black beans, oil, eggs, honey and vanilla in a high powered blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Stir with a spoon until you have a fairly smooth batter with no visible flour. Pour the batter into an 8x8 dish or a round cake pan.
Bake at 350F for 22min. Let cool for at least 15min- the longer you wait the easier it becomes to cut but I also love just scooping it out with a spoon! I PROMISE these do not taste like beans, okay? I would not do that to you. haha And if you want an even stronger chocolate flavour, simply add a bit more chocolate chips!