Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

I Show My Poor Relationship With Junk Food And My Own Body Image (10 pics)
User submission
1.8K
78.5K

I Show My Poor Relationship With Junk Food And My Own Body Image (10 pics)

ADVERTISEMENT

I’m a photographer from the Toronto area in Ontario, Canada. For the past few years, I’ve been shooting strange self-portraits for fun and to learn new techniques. They’ve all culminated in a self-portrait photo series I call DiscomfortFood.

DiscomfortFood is about my body, my self-image, and my mental health through the lens of junk food. Specifically, the junk food that I personally abuse. For me, that is pizza, pasta, potatoes, popcorn, Pepsi, pie. Carbs and sugar, ice cream, burgers, and salted fries!

Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, all through dietary changes and leaving behind a lot of unhealthy food that are the subjects of some of the images below.

More info: erikmarcinkowski.com | Instagram | Facebook

Sugar

From DiscomfortFood. It was really hot in the studio that day, and when I was done the sugar had melted into a glaze.

Glazed sour

When I conceived the DiscomfortFood series, this image was one of the most important ones in the whole series. Sour Cream Glazed doughnuts are my 2nd favorite type.

Two beef patties

Double-cheeseburgers are my kryptonite.

Honey crullers

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Honey crullers are my absolute most favorite.

Double chocolate dip

From DiscomfortFood. So many doughnut flavors!

I am the nightmare that children think of

Shot before I conceived of the DiscomfortFood series, this image laid the groundwork for the ones that would follow.

Salt

So salty.

DiscomfortFood

ADVERTISEMENT

This image is the thesis image in the entire series. The goal is to explore weight, food, self-image, mental health through this series.

Flowery self-portrait

The cowl is actually a kitchen curtain.

Glitter

This image is from 3 years ago and I am still finding glitter all over my house.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, and I would like to thank some of my photography for helping me process things.

78Kviews

Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Join the conversation
Add photo comments
POST
suneedays avatar
louwow avatar
Lou Wow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah he's actually adorable. I think big guys are rather manly and very appealing.

Load More Replies...
shewolfalia avatar
Alia G.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The flowery self portrait is incredible. Congratulations on becoming more self confident and losing weight ❤️

kelseylofto avatar
KLL
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are very photogenic and brave for photographing something you have a less than happy relationship with. You are a handsome and beautiful individual and I applaud your efforts to make the changes you want. Let your wins keep guiding you on your goals and remember that no matter where you're at you are awesome and handsome and you can accomplish anything.

beejayw avatar
Ben Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats on the weight loss so far! Keep up the great work!

christianvictorialea avatar
Chris_the_Creative
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The food photos are actually really good and an interesting concept. The color and composition is neat and the subject matter tells a story. Good Job.

bnkessler avatar
Bri Nicole
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The salt and fruit loops ones are absolutely fantastic. They could be in any gallery. Very well done. And what an awesome project. I wish you the best of luck with gaining your health back. You got this! I hope to see more from you.

thedavids06 avatar
Brivid
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really love the blue sugar portrait. It reminds me of the relationship that I have with sugar. It makes me think of both the shame that I feel for eating so many sweets, and the temptation that companies use on society to make money.

tarahg avatar
Tarah G
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who struggles with food, I totally get it ! I love these photos!! keep going!!

aimeemsimmons avatar
Aimee Simmons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these pictures speak to me very deeply. I have struggled with my relationship to food for most of my life. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.

jpfwatson avatar
James Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

interesting to see your eyes open as the photos are taken and the realisation dawns. be happy no matter who you are or what you love: be true to yourself.

whereeverythingisfairgame avatar
PinkPanda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations on losing weight and sustaining the loss. Not always easy.

jasminewalker_1 avatar
Jasmine Walker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hot damn!! Congrats on the lifestyle change!! You are an amazing photographer. To show humility to help you healing shows your courage and gives your photography that personal edge. Hope to see more from you, my friend.

loveyiii avatar
Loveyiii
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great portraits! Well composed and introspective. A great use of creativity to take a close look of what foods are your triggers. I wish I could do the same and eat well and move more. Kudos to you for your accomplishments. PS ~I bet you are still picking glitter out of your beard.

hdmaccomus avatar
Jill Higginson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are such a good looking guy !! It takes 21 days to create a habit so reverse it. Start walking everyday for 21 days. I'm telling you you'll miss being outside after 21 days. If you work out you would be amazed at how fast things will change.

angele_therese avatar
Noez 🇸🇪
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looooved these photos! That first donut pic is excellent, it's like you turn to the donuts for comfort. Very moving picture, I'm screencapping that one! I also like that word: discomfort food. Excellent 👌 Keep up the good work!

johanna_zamora avatar
Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We all have food issues. It goes with the territory of having high density calories and tasty packages at cheap prices. Keep up the good work, it's inspiring.

wproctor avatar
WillemPenn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So true. I just started a sugar detox. Way worse than kicking meth. Actual miserable physical withdrawal symptoms that have lasted nearly a week. That added sugar is a killer, and for some of us, is more of an addiction issue than street drugs. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/12/16/459981099/how-the-food-industry-helps-engineer-our-cravings

Load More Replies...
addynampogo avatar
Locd_doc93
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're beautiful! I loved all the pictures, I hope you had a fun snacky time taking them :D

drivebee avatar
Drive Bee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Incredible photos. The one with the sugar is my favorite. It says in one picture what it would take a whole book to explain; no, many books.

emmi_blad avatar
Emmi B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The glitter photos are awesome! And the creepy cereal one, wow! I think you'd give the best hugs, big, cuddly, warm hugs :)

geologist_luna avatar
Tony Moon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hardest part of reality is facing your own issues. Accepting our failures is only part of the solution. Working to overcome them is the hard part. I feel your pain greatly. However, that being said, I enjoy your eye. Great photos, I would enjoy seeing your portfolio on here. Thank you so much for sharing.

christinawebster avatar
Christina Webster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are a beautiful expression of the love/hate relationship many of us have with unhealthy foods! Technically they are great photos and artistically they are beautiful and energetically moving. I ADORE the glitter pic - and good luck ever seeing the end of those shiny guys, haha!

llsewer avatar
Jaguarundi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good luck on your journey to become happier and healthier. You are already your best you.

tleediggity avatar
Terri Lee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a brave and inspired concept. You are a great photographer and a vulnerable soul. Onward!

billybeecham avatar
Billy Beecham
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome work! Love it! Don't ever stop. Remember that you are a perfect creation and as such you can do anything you set your heart to.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, and I would like to thank some of my photography for helping me process things." Your photos do seem like a discussion you are having with your destructive eating habits. A constructive, good discussion. It is like hearing you say "Well, I am a photographer, I'll photograph myself out of this hole I got myself into." Well done! Severe overweight leads to so many nasty health problems down the line, with a much-increased risk of developing several forms of cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and also (for women) giving birth to premature and underweight babies, problems conceiving, premature death, and generally lower quality of life for many years. And ... eating less is also better for our planet.

katara_april avatar
Lira Mai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my relationship with rice and chocolate. It is truly difficult.

amandagraczyk avatar
Minnie-me
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Discomfort food is my fave. I commend you for your bravery. Keep it up!

littlewashu15 avatar
Momo Skarsgård
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely love it! You're handsome and really a great model!! Thank you for sharing.

locode avatar
Geoffrey Holland
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really cool. I also love crullers and now I want to go to Tim Hortons and get a box of them. Must resist.

jamesfloyd avatar
James Floyd
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Power, bro! It's a forever battle but just take it a day at a time! I can picture 60lbs less svelt you!

wangl avatar
m. b
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is glitter even bad? And why that face? You are a grown up and clearly aware

jamesfloyd avatar
James Floyd
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Move to Japan. Everything is smaller here and the photography is amazing

mejorsimple avatar
Eduardo Reyes
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

3 years of glitter in a house is nothing compared to an eternity in the environment.

mejorsimple avatar
Eduardo Reyes
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

3 years of glitter is nothing compared to an eternity in the environment.

victorrsytnik avatar
Russian Otaku
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Pretty sure salt ain't junk food and I wouldn't recommend eating glitter unless one wants the most magical of poops and s**t like a unicorn

suneedays avatar
louwow avatar
Lou Wow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah he's actually adorable. I think big guys are rather manly and very appealing.

Load More Replies...
shewolfalia avatar
Alia G.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The flowery self portrait is incredible. Congratulations on becoming more self confident and losing weight ❤️

kelseylofto avatar
KLL
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are very photogenic and brave for photographing something you have a less than happy relationship with. You are a handsome and beautiful individual and I applaud your efforts to make the changes you want. Let your wins keep guiding you on your goals and remember that no matter where you're at you are awesome and handsome and you can accomplish anything.

beejayw avatar
Ben Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats on the weight loss so far! Keep up the great work!

christianvictorialea avatar
Chris_the_Creative
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The food photos are actually really good and an interesting concept. The color and composition is neat and the subject matter tells a story. Good Job.

bnkessler avatar
Bri Nicole
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The salt and fruit loops ones are absolutely fantastic. They could be in any gallery. Very well done. And what an awesome project. I wish you the best of luck with gaining your health back. You got this! I hope to see more from you.

thedavids06 avatar
Brivid
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really love the blue sugar portrait. It reminds me of the relationship that I have with sugar. It makes me think of both the shame that I feel for eating so many sweets, and the temptation that companies use on society to make money.

tarahg avatar
Tarah G
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who struggles with food, I totally get it ! I love these photos!! keep going!!

aimeemsimmons avatar
Aimee Simmons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these pictures speak to me very deeply. I have struggled with my relationship to food for most of my life. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.

jpfwatson avatar
James Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

interesting to see your eyes open as the photos are taken and the realisation dawns. be happy no matter who you are or what you love: be true to yourself.

whereeverythingisfairgame avatar
PinkPanda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations on losing weight and sustaining the loss. Not always easy.

jasminewalker_1 avatar
Jasmine Walker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hot damn!! Congrats on the lifestyle change!! You are an amazing photographer. To show humility to help you healing shows your courage and gives your photography that personal edge. Hope to see more from you, my friend.

loveyiii avatar
Loveyiii
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great portraits! Well composed and introspective. A great use of creativity to take a close look of what foods are your triggers. I wish I could do the same and eat well and move more. Kudos to you for your accomplishments. PS ~I bet you are still picking glitter out of your beard.

hdmaccomus avatar
Jill Higginson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are such a good looking guy !! It takes 21 days to create a habit so reverse it. Start walking everyday for 21 days. I'm telling you you'll miss being outside after 21 days. If you work out you would be amazed at how fast things will change.

angele_therese avatar
Noez 🇸🇪
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looooved these photos! That first donut pic is excellent, it's like you turn to the donuts for comfort. Very moving picture, I'm screencapping that one! I also like that word: discomfort food. Excellent 👌 Keep up the good work!

johanna_zamora avatar
Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We all have food issues. It goes with the territory of having high density calories and tasty packages at cheap prices. Keep up the good work, it's inspiring.

wproctor avatar
WillemPenn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So true. I just started a sugar detox. Way worse than kicking meth. Actual miserable physical withdrawal symptoms that have lasted nearly a week. That added sugar is a killer, and for some of us, is more of an addiction issue than street drugs. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/12/16/459981099/how-the-food-industry-helps-engineer-our-cravings

Load More Replies...
addynampogo avatar
Locd_doc93
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're beautiful! I loved all the pictures, I hope you had a fun snacky time taking them :D

drivebee avatar
Drive Bee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Incredible photos. The one with the sugar is my favorite. It says in one picture what it would take a whole book to explain; no, many books.

emmi_blad avatar
Emmi B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The glitter photos are awesome! And the creepy cereal one, wow! I think you'd give the best hugs, big, cuddly, warm hugs :)

geologist_luna avatar
Tony Moon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hardest part of reality is facing your own issues. Accepting our failures is only part of the solution. Working to overcome them is the hard part. I feel your pain greatly. However, that being said, I enjoy your eye. Great photos, I would enjoy seeing your portfolio on here. Thank you so much for sharing.

christinawebster avatar
Christina Webster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are a beautiful expression of the love/hate relationship many of us have with unhealthy foods! Technically they are great photos and artistically they are beautiful and energetically moving. I ADORE the glitter pic - and good luck ever seeing the end of those shiny guys, haha!

llsewer avatar
Jaguarundi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good luck on your journey to become happier and healthier. You are already your best you.

tleediggity avatar
Terri Lee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a brave and inspired concept. You are a great photographer and a vulnerable soul. Onward!

billybeecham avatar
Billy Beecham
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome work! Love it! Don't ever stop. Remember that you are a perfect creation and as such you can do anything you set your heart to.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Since beginning this project I have actually developed a much happier and healthier relationship with food. I have lost approx 60lbs in the past few years, and I would like to thank some of my photography for helping me process things." Your photos do seem like a discussion you are having with your destructive eating habits. A constructive, good discussion. It is like hearing you say "Well, I am a photographer, I'll photograph myself out of this hole I got myself into." Well done! Severe overweight leads to so many nasty health problems down the line, with a much-increased risk of developing several forms of cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and also (for women) giving birth to premature and underweight babies, problems conceiving, premature death, and generally lower quality of life for many years. And ... eating less is also better for our planet.

katara_april avatar
Lira Mai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my relationship with rice and chocolate. It is truly difficult.

amandagraczyk avatar
Minnie-me
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Discomfort food is my fave. I commend you for your bravery. Keep it up!

littlewashu15 avatar
Momo Skarsgård
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely love it! You're handsome and really a great model!! Thank you for sharing.

locode avatar
Geoffrey Holland
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really cool. I also love crullers and now I want to go to Tim Hortons and get a box of them. Must resist.

jamesfloyd avatar
James Floyd
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Power, bro! It's a forever battle but just take it a day at a time! I can picture 60lbs less svelt you!

wangl avatar
m. b
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is glitter even bad? And why that face? You are a grown up and clearly aware

jamesfloyd avatar
James Floyd
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Move to Japan. Everything is smaller here and the photography is amazing

mejorsimple avatar
Eduardo Reyes
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

3 years of glitter in a house is nothing compared to an eternity in the environment.

mejorsimple avatar
Eduardo Reyes
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

3 years of glitter is nothing compared to an eternity in the environment.

victorrsytnik avatar
Russian Otaku
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Pretty sure salt ain't junk food and I wouldn't recommend eating glitter unless one wants the most magical of poops and s**t like a unicorn

Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda