“PEANUT BUTTER LOVE” (2020)

Written by Katie Butler

This is my first time making digital art & man, is it difficult...
I wanted to start making digital art as a way to share some cute (& hopefully relatable) comics, in collaboration with my Body Banter team, which focus on topics of body image, diet culture & disordered eating-something many of you know I have strong feelings about.

This first lil doodle is of myself, holding multiple jars of peanut butter.

In the past, I’ve lived with people who have expressed that they cannot, do not & will not eat peanut butter because they consider it “fattening” or “bad.” Maybe you’ve experienced something similar... OR maybe you have said something like this yourself. If the latter is true, then this post is not to condemn you but rather, to help you reconsider the impact of your words.
If you’re cutting out PB or any other food - well, I have personal feelings about that that I will save for another time. But for now...do what makes you feel good. If you find that you have said these words yourself, try to reflect on the effect of your words. Labeling foods as “fattening” or “bad” make others feel guilt and ashamed for eating foods that they truly enjoy. Perhaps they are recovering from some form of eating disorder, and they have finally made the necessary mindset moves to eat this food again.

Long story short, you never really know what people are going through. Food (especially now) is a touchy subject, seeing as many of us are in quarantine, and are being bombarded with diet culture messages from left and right.

SO, I ask that you be kind & considerate to others.
That you are gentle with yourself.
And that you allow yourself the freedom TODAY to enjoy the foods that you love! #foodisfuel

About Katie

Katie was one of our previous Banter-bassadors and is a recent graduate from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Since middle school, she has struggled with poor body image and disordered eating. Only recently has she begun making significant strides towards healing. Throughout this journey, she has become very passionate about learning, understanding & educating health as it pertains to food, self-perception, exercise, and cultural influence. This space will serve as a reflective and artistic outlet, for herself and others, in hopes of reaching anyone who may need it.

“I Banter because everybody and every body deserves healing. I believe that by sharing our experiences, we can become more empathetic, compassionate, and stronger individuals.”