“Almond Moms” have entered TikTok slang, and we’re here to explain it.
It’s true that, especially for women, body image issues can be a lifelong struggle. Being a delicate, often taboo subject, we seek ways to vocalize our insecurities.
However, it’s also true that many people make direct, aggressive, and intrusive comments about our bodies. Often, that person is our mom.
After a video of Yolanda Hadid, the queen of almond moms, went viral, many women began to identify with the attitudes of the mother of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid and started labeling these behaviors. One of the videos shows Yolanda advising Gigi to eat “a couple of almonds” after her daughter tells her she feels unwell.
Another video circulating the internet is a compilation of Yolanda forbidding certain foods to her daughters and making comments about diets.
How to Identify an Almond Mom
Typically, these individuals pursue an extremely healthy lifestyle, buying low-fat, organic, sugar-free, and carb-free food, usually relying on keto diets. When their children ask for small snacks, they suggest almonds, fruit, or vegetables instead of treats.
This mindset promotes weight loss or staying “fit” but can lead to severe eating disorders or body dysmorphia. Obsessing over food can itself be an eating disorder, not to mention the health effects of not getting adequate nutrients.
@nikolinajohnson♬ original sound – Nikolina
Of course, raising a child is not easy, and setting boundaries and agreements about food is essential. However, it’s sometimes unavoidable to eat foods like pizza, hamburgers, or cakes, especially at parties or special occasions. Stigmatizing and completely forbidding these foods often only fosters a sense of guilt when eating.
How To Set Boundaries
If you felt identified, do not worry. We want to share some tips to make your life easier and set proper boundaries:
- Communicate Openly and Calmly: Have an honest conversation with your mom about how her dietary restrictions are affecting you. Explain your feelings and emphasize that a balanced approach to food is important for your physical and mental well-being.
- Educate on Balanced Nutrition: Share information about the importance of a balanced diet that includes all food groups. Explain that occasional treats are part of a healthy lifestyle and do not negate overall health.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Firmly but respectfully state your need for autonomy over your food choices. Make it clear that while you appreciate her concern for your health, you need the freedom to make your own decisions about what you eat.
- Seek Professional Support: If necessary, involve a nutritionist or therapist who can provide professional advice and mediate discussions. They can help reinforce the importance of a balanced diet and the potential negative impact of overly restrictive eating habits.
- Develop a Support System: Surround yourself with friends or family members who support your food choices and can provide encouragement. Having a strong support system can help you maintain your boundaries and feel more confident in your decisions.
Now you know how to identify these types of moms! If you live with one, the recommendation is to learn to set boundaries and make autonomous decisions about your body. No matter how much someone insists it’s “for your own good,” remember mental health always comes first.
