I don’t categorize food as bad or a guilty pleasure.

Rachael Ray’s remark pushes back against moralizing language around eating—labels like “bad,” “cheat,” or “guilty pleasure” that frame food choices as ethical failures rather than practical decisions. The quote reflects a more permissive, pleasure-inclusive approach to diet: enjoyment is not something to apologize for, and balance is achieved through overall patterns rather than purity rules. In the context of popular food media, it also functions as a critique of diet culture’s shame-based messaging, suggesting that a healthier relationship with food comes from removing guilt and focusing on moderation, satisfaction, and sustainability.