Nigella Lawson Says She Hates The Terms 'Clean Eating' And 'Healthy Food'

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

You might have voices whispering in your ear — whether it's your mother, spouse, or an influential food blogger — telling you to eat clean, but Nigella Lawson doesn't want to be one of them.

During an interview with the BBC program Woman's Hour, the popular television cook and cookbook author — who has famously refused to be Photoshopped for billboards for The Taste on ABC — explained why, in the introduction for her newest cookbook, Simply Nigella, she expressed "disgust" for the term "clean eating," and disdain for the idea of "healthy food."

"I think behind the notion of 'clean eating' is an implication that any other form of eating is dirty or shameful," Lawson explained. "I think that food should not be used as a way of persecuting oneself and I think, really, one should look to get pleasure and revel in what's good rather than either think, 'Oh no, that's dirty, bad or sinful' or that 'eating is virtuous.'"

As for the concept of "heathy food," Lawson expressed her dislike of those for whom eating well has become worthy of self-congratulation.

"I don't like people thinking they're better people themselves for the way they eat. We make choices for ourselves either for our health, delight, according to our income, according to our taste buds, but I don't think it should ever be a status symbol."