5 things in diet culture that make us cringe
Before we begin, it’s important to note that we are guilty of falling for every single one of these. We’ve said them to ourselves, others and still find our old way of thinking creeping back in every once in a while.
And that’s okay - we’ve been exposed to DECADES of misinformation around nutrition, and it takes time to learn what’s real, and what’s not.
You’re not alone:)
Here are five things that need to STOP as it relates to your relationship with food:
Cheat meals: The term "cheat meal" is problematic because it implies that there are "good" and "bad" foods, and that eating certain foods is morally wrong. Food has no morale value. Are your steak and baked potato going to have hurt feelings because you enjoyed some deep fried pickles and cold beer the night before? Sounds slightly silly, doesn’t it? Using “cheat meals” can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which can damage our relationship with food.
"I can eat this, I earned it:" This mindset can lead to overeating and unhealthy eating habits. It's important to remember that food is not a reward or a punishment. Our bodies need food to function, so we should eat when we're hungry and stop when we're full, regardless of how much exercise we've done or how many calories we've burned. You don’t make your SUV take you out to a romantic dinner before you fill it with gas, do you?
Saying "good food, bad food:" All foods have some nutritional value. It's true that some foods are more nutrient-dense than others, but labeling foods as "good" or "bad" can create a black-and-white view of eating that can be harmful to our mental and physical health. Instead, let's focus on eating a variety of foods that we enjoy and that make us feel good.
Commenting on the choices of others: “Just have a bite - it’s just a taste! Why are you eating/not eating ________?” Why are you commenting on the choices of people around you? Does it impact you that much? It's important to remember that everyone has their own unique relationship with food and their body. What works for one person may not work for another. It's also important to respect people's privacy and autonomy. If someone doesn't want to talk about their food choices, don't pressure them. It’s hard enough making different choices, your chirping isn’t helping;)
Looking for the "BEST" diet or workout: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet and exercise. The best diet and workout for you is the one that you can stick to consistently. It's important to find something that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. If you don’t like what you’re currently eating, and depside the group fitness class you’re doing, but are doing it because it worked for your aunt in WY, stop doing it. Find something that works for you. That’s what we help our clients do, and it’s extremely effective.
There you go - All Day Coach rant over:) We share this to HELP you, and those around you looking to improve their lifestyle. We wish someone would have shared this with us in the 90s - it would have saved us decades of yo-yo dieting.