Intuitive Eating Principle 1: Reject the Diet Mentality

Intuitive eating is a non-diet approach based on our ability to trust our body’s cues; our fullness, hunger, and food choices stem from the trust we develop to make the choices that feel good, without judgment or the influence of diet culture. But, many of us struggle to escape society’s impossible standards, where being smaller is regarded as healthier, more attractive, and a goal each of us should want to achieve. 

The infamous diet culture, which most of us have been influenced negatively by, fails to account for our own intuitions and ability to make eating choices that fuel our bodies, remind us of special moments, are significant of traditions, or simply taste good in that moment. Diet culture wants us to be upset when we don’t hit a lower number on the scale, disregarding the physical, psychological, and general well-being of our individuality as a whole. In this never-ending cycle, controlling our bodies by controlling (restricting) what and how much we eat is considered the norm. 

One scroll through social media will show photos of bikini-clad women, celebrities endorsing skinny-teas, and videos claiming to know the “secret to losing weight, fast!” What we don’t see is the truth: women struggling with eating disorders, celebrities never using the products they’re being paid for, and the fact that intentional weight loss is not something our bodies understand. You did not fail the diet, the diet failed you!

The first principle of Intuitive Eating, Reject the Diet Mentality, encourages us to say no to diet culture, to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes truths, and to get angry at the lies that have been told to us, making us feel as though we’ve failed. Rejecting the diet mentality will allow the space to begin the journey to discovering Intuitive Eating, where there is no shame or guilt, but instead allows for the trusting of our own bodies to do what is best for ourselves. By escaping diet culture, and freeing up mental and emotional space, we create the opportunity to unlearn all we have been told: that the smaller the body, the better. 

Imagine how powerful it would feel to regain trust in our own body, not worrying about the number on the scale or the size of our jeans. By Rejecting the Diet Mentality, we’ve already begun to understand, and feel, how great it feels to return to our bodies through Intuitive Eating.  

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Written by Serena Pratt

Hi, I’m Serena! I’m a first year grad student at Columbia University studying Nutrition. I’m a former figure skater for Team USA, and because of that, I’ve had my own struggles relating to my complex relationship with food. Learning about nutrition has helped me to understand more about my personal journey, but has also led me to wanting to help others who may feel the same way! I’ve since learned how to listen to my body, can enjoy foods again, and am excited to share with and guide others in doing the same. 

Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.