Blog #24: International No Diet Day
International No Diet Day began in 1992, and is celebrated annually on May 6th. It is a day to celebrate body positivity and to get away from the diet culture. This day highlights enjoying the meals and foods that you love without shaming yourself.
As a Dietitian, I do not agree with diets and the diet culture. Diet culture can be vicious, very mentally taxing, and can lead people to develop eating disorders. When I talk to clients, I always say it’s a “lifestyle change” when you choose to be healthy. You are actively changing your life patterns and habits, hence a lifestyle change! I tell everyone (that asks me if I’m on a diet) that I am actually not on a diet. I just have a lifestyle that I have created for myself. My perfect lifestyle for my personal goals is eating healthy foods to fuel my movement and my daily activities, as well as healing my body from the inside. I have told some people that I want to be so healthy, I will not need a doctor!
But even though I eat healthy, I also enjoy chocolate, burgers, and bacon every now and then. I do not put so much pressure on myself to eat healthy all the time. My husband and I love to make new recipes in the kitchen, and I have such a love for cooking. Our latest recipe to perfect is creme brûlée! And we are not taking any of the fat or flavor out of the recipe! We use heavy whipping cream and sugar in the recipe, not some healthy alternatives or dupes.
I do enjoy my foods, and do not have a self-hating party afterwards. And neither should you! Give yourself some grace, and give yourself permission to enjoy all kinds of foods. I also have this mindset when I travel the world on any trips. Enjoy the local foods while you are there, and do not beat yourself up over it later. You can really learn about a culture through their food, so embrace it!
I challenge you to stop following the fads of diet culture, and to start creating your healthy lifestyle based on your personal goals. Your goals do not have to be big! Your goals are your own, regardless if they are big or small. If your goal is to have enough energy to play with your kids, then that’s great! Good luck out there!
