The beginning of each new year is often filled with resolutions and many of them are centered around diet culture, whether this is dieting or promotion of over-exercising. The pressure to conform to societal standards of a certain body size and eating habits can feel overwhelming. It is important to remember that you do not have to engage in these behaviors.
Strategies To Opt-Out of Diet Culture
If you desire to opt out of diet culture this new year, here are some ways to practice this and implement it in your life.
- Recognize Diet Culture In Your Life – Begin identifying where diet culture appears in your life. Perhaps this in conversations with family or friends, at the grocery store, on your social media feeds, or in the advertisements you see. Once you identify where it is present, you can decide how you want to disengage with it.
- Set Boundaries: One way to opt out is by establishing healthy boundaries. Typically this may look like setting boundaries with family and/or friends. You may have a boundary around the types of conversations you are willing to engage in, such as, setting a boundary around not talking about food in a certain way or body bashing. Boundaries keep you safe and it is an act of self-care, not an act of aggression.
- Seek Support From Like-Minded People: When you are surrounded by diet culture, it may feel difficult to opt out. It is important to seek support from others who understand and support you in this journey, whether this is family, friends, therapist, or dietitian. It is helpful to be uplifted by people who understand.
- Curate Your Social Media: Often, when scrolling, you may see ads for diets or people promoting a certain way of eating. I invite you to follow accounts that have the same values as you and are not promoting diet culture. Follow accounts that promote body respect and encourage incorporating all foods into your diet.
Other ways to opt out is by focusing on caring for yourself and your body in a way that feels good for you. This may look like getting rid of your scale and practicing joyful movement. Focus on how your body feels rather than what it looks like. Remember, you have the right to opt out of diet culture and embrace a path of self-care that respects your body and mental health. Let us go into this new year with a different mindset and focus on taking care of ourselves.
Compassionate Affirmation: “I am worthy of taking care of my body and mental health.”
Additional Resources: If you are looking for other ways to opt out of diet culture this year, here are a few books and social media accounts.
Books: Health At Every Size by Lindo Bacon and Intuitive Eating by Elyse Rech and Evelyn Tribole.
Social Media Accounts: Emily Murray, Registered Dietitian, Body Image with Bri, and Christy Harrison, Registered Dietitian.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Owner + Director
Laura is committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Co. to assist in this mission.
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or contact us here.
