Chocolate and kale and lentils are lovely, but they’re not always my reality.
pumpkin pie smoothie with spinach, Vega protein, and cacao nibs
In the first episode of Confessions of a Food Blogger, I told you that your nice comments make my day, my month, my year. That has never been more true.
I try to perpetually smile when I write my blog posts. Your heartfelt comments really do help. The sweet potatoes may be burning, the post may not be funny, the pictures may suck, and Alchemy may be out of chickpeas, but life will go on. It all happens. More often than you’d think. I try to keep the smile on. For you! And for me, too.
There’s a time and a place for negativity, and it is not this blog. That said, you are all my friends, and when I feel so inclined to speak my mind, I know I can do so comfortably here. I think that’s important.
I am not a jar of almond butter. I am a real person with real feelings living a very real life. I have good times and I have bad times. I remind myself that it’s okay to cry.
curried chickpea salad + kale and quinoa salad + apple with cinnamon
Posting every morsel of food I put in my mouth throughout the course of a day is…a lot of things.
It’s eye-opening. It’s funny. It’s sometimes a little annoying. It’s inspiring. It’s engaging. It’s exhausting. It’s entertaining. It’s encouraging. It’s positive. It’s educational.
It’s also very, very personal. Have you ever thought what it would be like to post on the internet everything you eat in a day and invite hundreds of thousands of people to scrutinize it?
Most bloggers participate in “What I Ate Wednesday” (WIAW) to show readers what their typical diet consists of. But we also do it to let you in. To give you perspective and to illustrate via food pictures that we are far from perfect. To show you that some days we eat a lot of kale and no cookies, and some days we eat a lot of cookies and no kale. So is life. So is life for you as a normal person, and so is life for me as a crazy food blogger.
pumpkin bars + pumpkin cookies
What WIAW is not is a place for judgement.
It is not a place for you to critique how I choose to fuel myself.
It is not a place to demoralize me for eating lobster and it is most certainly not a place to call me anorexic.
As a dietitian, I work with people who suffer from eating disorders on a regular basis. I can tell you from experience that calling anyone scrawny, a skeleton, or anorexic is incredibly offensive, not to mention rude, disrespectful, and hurtful. I strive to paint a realistic picture of balance because if you know me at all, you know that balance is what my life is all about. Balance with healthy food and treat food. Balance with Green Glow juice and vodka sodas. Balance with my career and my social life. The list goes on. I know I’m not perfect.
roasted sweet potatoes
Negative comments such as these really make me second-guess myself. At the end of the day, I don’t honestly care that a reader called me anorexic. The issue here is that I would NEVER, EVER want to set a poor example for healthy eating. And when I say healthy, I mean balanced. I would never want you to read what I eat in a day and think a stroke of anything negative or discouraging.
spinach and artichoke pasta + roasted broccoli
Many bloggers have stopped posting their daily eats for these exact reasons and I don’t blame them for a second. Readers were judging their choices and falling into the comparison trap, the exact opposite of what these seemingly inspirational posts were intended to do. I have kept posting because more often than not, I get very positive feedback. I know you all enjoy these posts and are I pray that they inspire you, not discourage you.
scrambled eggs, salsa, sweet potatoes + another pumpkin cookie
Remember that bloggers are not robots behind a screen. While starting Hummusapien was one of the best decisions I ever made, don’t think that for a second it’s easy. I promise that it is always worth it but never easy.
Let’s all respect our differences and learn to grow from them. I promise to love you no matter what you eat.
[Tweet “Confessions of a Food Blogger and A Real Person, Too via @TheHummusapien”]
Liz S. says
In my opinion, your posts exemplify balanced, healthy living. You’re inspiring and I do hope you continue to post and share your knowledge/experience! Down with haters.
Dietitian Jess says
UGH I hate when people try to police what I eat because I’m a dietitian- I’m human too and I certainly do not police what you eat! I’m sorry to hear about people bringing negativity in your life- that’s not something you need or deserve- your WIAW are nothing short of inspirational, I cant wait to go make those pumpkin bars!
ERIN @ THE ALMOND EATER says
I love when you write posts like this–they’re so incredibly relatable, especially to fellow bloggers. I stopped posting WIAW mostly because I kept forgetting to take photos, but it is true that WIAW allows outside readers to judge away. People can be so, so rude I don’t even understand it. Keep posting and keep inspiring lady!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
Lovely post! I can’t believe when people are seriously SO rude. But most of the time it is a reflection of their own insecurities. So you just keep on keepin’ on and doing your thing. Obviously you’re pretty darn good at it or you wouldn’t be here!! <3
Vicki says
You ALWAYS inspire me! Thank you so much for your honest, often hilarious posts and recipes. Don’t let the haters get you down…you’re awesome!
Mandy says
I think you’re perfect :) I relate to your love of hummus, I too am not above scraping the goodness up with the my finger. keep it up
Lilly says
Hi Alexis. As someone who HAS lived the life of an ED, I can tell you that you have been a wonderful, true inspiration and motivation for me in my journey to recovery. Your posts DO glow with balance and true “health” – in every meaning of the word. I, and many, really do need people like you to keep them striving towards a life of balance…for proof that kale AND cookies are possible. And that it is all okay, and normal, and human. You are this proof! I’m sorry you’ve been receiving negative comments, but I hope you know that you are great, and you are really helping many others. I’ve been following your blog for a long time and will keep on doing so…. and not just because your cookie recipes are my favvvvouuuurrriiiteee (#flourless chocolate cranberry cookies #zucchini black bean cookies in my kitchen forever and always please). Thank you thank you!!!
Gina V says
Well said. I had blogged on and off from being an intern in 2008 until the past year. It can be fun and a great way to network but in the last year the internet trolls really took the fun out of it (that and I realized writing for “free” for other nutrition publications wasn’t much fun if it’s not making you $ ha!).
Let’s move on to a pint of Jeni’s :)
Chelsey says
The timing of this post could not be MORE perfect as I just hopped on the WIAW bandwagon to give readers a better idea of what I eat, hoping to show that it’s balanced and real and healthy too. Keep doing what you do girl because I know it inspires me every week!
Sally @ Real Mom Nutrition says
Bravo, Alexis! You said what really needed to be said and I hope ALL of your readers will take this to heart. As we know, one purposely hurtful and careless comment can have a big impact on us as bloggers–because we ARE actual people behind the keyboards. You obviously have a big fan base that is inspired by you, that’s clear from the comments. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let the haters get you down.
Claire says
In the infamous words of T Swifty, haters gonna hate. But you’re going to acknowledge it, tell them it’s not cool, and then shake it off! Props. You are a wonderful human being.
Jillian says
Um, I like live for your WIAWs because they’re so exciting and inspiring. (I also love that you actually eat & remake your own recipes all the time? Not everyone does that) I’ve been poring over your site so much lately and I think I’m slowly getting out of my cooking/healthy eating slump. It’s disheartening as a reader too (dareisayfangirl?) that people can be so crummy. But you’re such an inspiration to so many people, so thank you for all you do!!
Maybe we should slather their keyboards in hummus. That’d quiet them! >:-)
Ilana says
beautifully said, as a therapist who works with clients with eating disorders I sometimes get feedback such as “you eat so many vegetables and sometimes you turn down cookies, are you taking after your clients?” while giggles follow. And you’re extremely right, it is so offensive; eating disorders are a lot more than eating healthy and sometimes ordering a salad instead of a sandwich. You’re a really great role model and it saddens me that some people are so insensitive and ignorant to eating disorders. Keep living your life and eating whatever feels good for your body! :)
Rebecca Lwin says
Alexis, having just hit publish on my latest wiaw with anxiety in my heart about how many sweets/chocolate I ate today, I can totally relate. We make ourselves vulnerable by allowing readers IN, but we do it to show balance and perspective and real life!! Our food is our food and our bodies are our bodies… but as Claire mentioned above, haters gonna hate. Too true! Just keep in mind that for every hater out there, there are a million readers who are completely inspired by you and what you do. Keep on with it, girl, you got what it takes! xo
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
This.
Seriously, you are epic. Although you totally had THREE.
Alicia says
What that reader did is cyber bullying. It is not acceptable. Keep doing you and keep your head up!! You seem to be processing it well, by evidence of this post which I loved. Blogging is hard and being vulnerable is even harder!! Food IS so personal. It is so hard to take hurtful words like that. Do NOT let the comments of that one person get you down. I hate that bullying happens, but it does. And the only way to NOT let them win is to not let it get to you. I would feel so hurt too, so let it sting, keep moving through it and keep rising above! I also read this blog post from another female blogger about how to deal with comments both good and bad. I thought it was stinkin’ lovely!! Maybe it will help a little too. https://www.girlsgonestrong.com/how-to-not-care-what-other-people-think-of-you/. I only found your blog in the last few months but I am fan already. Keep up the great blogging!!!
Lindsay Amerman says
I love this post. I have never judged or thought twice about why you post what you do because I know it is simply to inspire others. I get excited every morning to hop on to Hummusapien and see if there’s a new recipe I get to try that day! Keep on doing what you do. Thanks for your inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
WIAW iS about judgement, which is sad and never what was intended many years ago when Jenn started. First of all it doesn’t go with my blog, but I would never post a WIAW because of that fact, what’s it’s become.
Denise says
I’m 50 years old and my husband and I have been living a modified vegetarian diet for over 30 years, yet we still have family members ask us the same stupid questions about what we eat (or don’t eat). Let me assure you, it will never end! You just have to keep your chin up and do keep doing what you’re doing. We’re happy, healthy, and we look like a pair of 30 year old’s thanks to our diet and exercise choices. We have two healthy college kids, one who is vegan and the other who eats anything you put in front of him. You’re adorable and I love your voice. You write exactly the way my daughter talks. I’m so glad you vented today so we could help cheer you up! Don’t let anyone put you down.
Kate says
People flock to post like yours because you shine bright and have a healthy outlook on eating.
It’s pretty insane how critical people are online, like somehow being anonymous makes it okay.
However, I do wonder how we should handle bloggers who post obviously unhealthy WIAWs, showcasing and promoting diets with far too few calories. Maybe a private message? How does far does “public responsibility” extend? Maybe the best thing to do is to just be a healthy example yourself, much like you do!
Jenni says
YOU: Shiny bright example of healthy & normal — and adorable from head to toe. LOVE FROM SOUTH FLORIDA! :)
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
You are amazing. I can imagine it hurts deeply to get such negative comments but the fact that you keep on keepin’ on shows how awesome you are. At the end of the day I honestly think those people are just jealous. Becuase you are beautiful, obvs. And what you choose to eat is perfection, in my book. xoxo
Jenn says
People are judgmental in life, but even more so when they are hiding behind their keyboard. It’s ridiculous! I’m sorry that happened to you. I LOVE this post! It is so hard to put yourself out there and you have done an amazing job! Don’t let anyone discourage you from being you!! I have never done a WIAW and I’m thinking now I never will. The handfuls of tortillas chips would likely not be judged positively. :)
Aven says
YES to all of this!
Thank you so much for writing this post. Your blog does nothing but inspire me and make me drool!
I’m recovered from an ED and nothing hurts me more than when people use the term ‘anorexic’ as a common adjective. Mental illness is not something you sling around like ‘cute.’ Keep up the good work, Alexis!!
Michelle | Well Nourished Journey says
Alexis, you are one of the most kind-hearted, inspirational, and incredibly talented souls that I know. I’ve looked up to you as a blogger, as a friend, and as an all-around awesome individual, so to hear about this unfortunate incident makes me terribly upset. However, the outpouring of love and support from all of us just goes to show how greatly loved you are in this community. Thank you so much for sharing and for always being an exemplary role model <333
Robyn @thereallife_RD says
Right on. Pet peeve is when people look at me when I’m out to eat or at the bar or at someone’s house for dinner and ask if I’m going to really eat that or say, “well, you probably wouldn’t eat this” — umm, and what if I did? Food is just food. JUST FOOD.
Keep being awesome and a refreshing voice in an often dark area! XOXO
Shannon says
I LOVE this! Most people say mean things to get a reaction or because they are insecure about THEMSELVES. Keep doing you. i enjoy all of your posts.
Nikkii Baker @nikinvic says
I agree, Shannon! It has nothing to do with Alexis, and everything to do with people who spew mean and hurtful things!
Nikkii
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Alexis! Like you said, it’s not easy to put yourself out there. And you know what, there are going to be some people who have negative things to say about everything. But as bloggers, we have to know that there are likely more people enjoying our posts than not, and if they don’t — they don’t have to visit our sites. It doesn’t matter how much food I show, there will always be someone thinking it’s not enough. And no matter how healthy I eat, there’s always something I could do better. We’re not perfect. We’re human. We are doing a service by showing our real side. Do you! Do you!
Monique @ burpees to bubbly says
well, said, Alexis! You’re not attacking or lashing out, but rather just speaking to us as a real person- I just don’t understand why people feel the need to write negative things- it’s like they’ve forgotten the old saying of “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”- at the end of the day, it’s their issues behind their mean comments, which doesn’t make them any easier to read. Chin up!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
THIS and the fact that I got too lazy to take pictures of all my meals and why I stopped participating in WIAW. I honestly can’t understand all the judgment and snakiness that happens online…. Like, why are people trying to tear each other down when we should be building each other up? It’s a sad thing, but I find it helps to remember that what someone says is a bigger reflection of who THEY are than it is of who they’re talking about. Don’t let the haters get you down <3
Nikkii Baker @nikinvic says
Wow. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal and candid confession. I had no idea people were criticising you for being honest, open, well-balanced, and caring about what you/we put into our mouths/bodies.
How unfortunate for them that they can’t see how humble and kind – not to mention hard-working – you are.
Keep up the great good work, Alexis. Keep being You.
Lots of love heading your way from Australia ??
She Rocks Fitness says
AMEN sister…Love when you get REAL! You’re a very inspiring woman and you ROCK! XOXO
Nicole says
Alexis, it is honestly so sad and quite disgusting that people would insult you or make (false) assumptions about you when you are being so vulnerable in this blog. I honestly love your WIAW, not because I enjoy comparing our food intakes, but because I find other people’s meals genuinely interesting and inspiring. Oftentimes, I’ll see you snacking on some cool smoothie, and I run to the kitchen to whip it up right away because it just sounds too good to resist. Then again, if it ever becomes too much to deal with some people’s negative comments, it is always okay to take a step back. You do you. I promise there’s like a million of us who would enjoy whatever content you decide to post. Don’t let the haters bring you down! :)
courtney says
yahooo! thanks for being so REAL! you have quickly become my favorite blogger, and i love all your recipes/ insights/ etc. just made your pumpkin bars (into muffins) sunday night =] when i was struggling with anorexia, it was the WORST for someone to point it out; the labels are completely unnecessary, especially when you’re presenting such a healthy, well-rounded diet! keep bringing your a-game, lady. you are the bee’s knees. xo
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
I seriously love your blog and I get so excited when I see a new post of yours on my feed! You are funny, inspiring, super relatable, and encouraging. Like what Jillian said above, I appreciate the fact you love the meals you make and continue to make them, which to me is realistic. It saddens me that people try to tear you and other bloggers down. Keeping being you, there’s so many of us who appreciate you!! <3
MIchelle says
Hey Alexis! I usually just read your blog and do not comment, but I feel really like I should say something today. You are so inspiring!! You make healthy eating fun and your positive tone radiates with me. You are such a hard worker and so passionate about what you do and that really shows. I love reading your WIAW posts and I hope you will continue to post them, I look forward to them every week!
This is kind of random, but a couple weeks ago I got a parking ticket. I was upset, but then I thought about how you got your car towed at a coffee shop. (It was a coffee shop right?? haha) And that actually made me feel better! You are a positive influence in ways you probably don’t even realize.
Sorry for the essay of a comment. I just wanted to say that I think you are awesome! I love your blog, your recipes and YOU! I hope I can make a trip (all the way from Florida!) to Alchemy to meet you person someday :) Until then, I suppose reading your blog will do :)
Catherine @ foodiecology says
I shouldn’t be (I’ve read comments on many-a news articles and editorials), but I’m floored that you’ve received such criticism lately.
Truthfully, your WIAW is one I enjoy reading most. Always a healthy mix of nutritious meals and treats. But, more than that, I love how your voice always shines through and you share yourself with us. Your commitment to this blog and your crazy-busy life ate inspiring.
Keep your head up! <3
(And for the record, I rarely post WIAW; not because of criticism, but mostly because I felt stupid taking awful pictures at my desk or would just forget. I love reading yours, but I *get it* if you take a break!)
Meghan petrof says
I met you at the barre in the park at Franklin park conservatory and since then have been following your blog! Absolutely love it ! Your ideas have inspired me to get even meow creative in the kitchen! I am
Hooked on alchemy as well as my 18 month old son and my husband! Thanks
For
All that you do !!
Tina says
You rock! Don’t let anyone ever make you think otherwise.
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
I read that comment you are talking about when I was catching up on old posts. It’s crazy people feel the need to say something negative. You are so inspiring to so many! I know those comments suck, but you are making a much more positive impact than one mean comment should take away from you. If that even makes sense haha.
Jennifer Farrelly says
Hey Alexa, I’m a long time reader from Ireland who has never actually commented on a post!But today I just thought I’d let you know that you are my fave blogger!Every time I see that you have a new post, I get excited and save it until I can read it thoroughly and properly!I personally love your WIAW as a source of inspiration. Because although I am a meat eater and dairy lover, I also love your recipes!Like you said yourself in this post, it’s all about moderation!Just because I might eat a chicken breast on a Sunday doesn’t mean that I don’t love a big bowl of vegan artichoke pasta or a veggie burger on a Tuesday!Sorry about this ramble, but I just wanted to let you know that you inspire me :)
Melissa @ The Fit Chocoholic says
Amen sister!!
Lexi Michelson says
You are amazing Alexis! You’ve always been a true example of what healthy living looks like & for that you should be proud! I love how real, honest and funny you are. Keep doing you and being crazy successful while doing it! :) I love your blogs!
Carlie says
I adore you. Thank you.
So sad you weren’t at Alchemy when I visited before I moved away from Columbus! I’m definitely visiting this fall! North Market and The Crest withdrawals. ;)
B says
Thank you so much for this!! I can only imagine how hard it is to publish something as private as diet for the world to see. Unfortunately some people thrive on judging and putting others down. As a person with a passion for health and various food blogs I have to say you have provided me with some of my new rotating favorite go-to meals. Keep up the good work!!
Stephanie says
Alexis – Can’t tell you how much I love your WIAW – haters gonna hate but you keep doing you girl! I love your candid honesty, your adorable jargon, and your creative ideas. Keep it up, and let your integrity and light continue to shine through. You know who you are, what you do, and why you do what you do. In the words of Kevin Gnapoor, “Don’t let the hataz stop you from doin yo thang”. ;) Keep it up lady!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
Alexis, I love your WIAW posts because you make me feel NORMAL. Some of these people who post… and I’m like whatttt how do these girls survive. I feel so much better seeing you eat snacks and hearty veggie meals because you look amazing and strong and you’re eating an amount of food an active young woman should eat! I think a lot of eating disorder comments come from jealousy… so thanks for keeping it real, sister.
annie says
I love that you said this. Judgement is inescapable, both from ourselves and others. However, a pause — “huh, how much do I know about this person? what caused me to say or think that about them?” can stop you doing or saying something hurtful. I work every day to be less judgmental. It’s actually made my life so much easier.
ALB (the pink-haired vlogger/blogger) said, “what other women do with their lives and bodies is probably none of your business” …ain’t that the truth.
PS…..I saw Arman’s photos with you and thought, “she looks so great!”
Rachel says
GO GIRL! Alexis this post is on point. Agree with every word you said, I am so happy you wrote something like this!
xx
Mary says
This post is awesome. You’re awesome. Keep shining! Love your blog!
Also I tried Hope Hummus for the first time recently. OMG so good.
Dawn says
Thank you for your authenticity, honesty, sense of humor, and the really delsih food! I LOVE your blog because you are so real and your recipes are really good. xo
masala girl says
i remember reading that comment and being shocked. i think you show a real balance of healthy real food and snack. you make it all yourself and show that it’s attainable to be busy and eat good, but to not worry about the little things and enjoy life. you make your recipes over and over and I love that too. you’re one of my favorite blogs, alexis! dont change or let things get you down. (and again, food. on point. looks delicious!!)
Chris says
Hey Alexis! I found my way to you via Armen and his Columbus adventures. I have family in Columbus and reading that you have a business in the city… well you already just made it onto my list of cool virtual people I “know”. Haha.
Online judgment is something I have experienced too, and while sometimes I just laugh it off because clearly the person simply didn’t read enough or understand my humor… there are times when the negativity cuts and hurts. But hey, good for you for standing up for yourself and being real. Too many only post what they want you to see, thus negating those negative comments but also losing their integrity too.
Glad to have “met” you and I’ll be sure to stop back by… and maybe even find my way to Alchemy sometime! =)
Katie Shields says
Alexis,
Thanks for sharing your experience with negative comments! I agree with everyone else that your posts are inspiring, real and 100% YOU – aka awesome! It’s terrible that people throw around the ED label so carelessly and high five to you for addressing that type of negative behavior in such a classy way. Keep up the amazing work, doll! XX -Katie
Alexis says
Thanks my love. You nailed it–it really is terrible how lightly people use those hurtful words. No class these days, I’m telling you! XO
marlies says
I love that you post both your super healthy and slightly less “perfect” choices! It makes me feel like I’m not a weak or non-dedicated person when I endulge occasionally! nutritionist bloggers who say “there’s no so excuse to ever eat refined sugar” or such things just make me feel anxious and like a failure, so I love your honesty! I’m sorry anyone gives you a hard time for that!
Alexis says
It’s all about balance, right? Anyone who vilifies sugar is no friend of mine ;) What would life be without chocolate?!
Margon says
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It is really interesting being in a totally different culture and language, as Germany must be. We are loving life and making the most of every moment!
freeaccount.org says
Great one!
Denise Londergan says
Your imperfections are perfect. Do not second guess yourself. As an experienced (in years) dietitian/health coach who suffered with an eating disorder in my late teens/early 20s, I see you as inspiration for so many. Sharing as you do opens you up to criticism. Just please continue to be your honestly genuine self. And keep on being real——–love your blog—–I share it with so many.
Alexis says
Awww thank you, Denise! That means a lot to me. You’re right. When you share your personal life you’re always opening it up for judgement :/ Thanks for the support!!