Tis the Season to SAY NO to Dieting.
Tis the season where everyone is trying to sell you a pill and powder for weight loss, or diet friendly “comfort food.” As I grow in this field something I really struggle with is the way we talk about food, like why can’t it just be “my favorite way to make mac and cheese!” not a “healthy hack” - Idk, I was definitely one of these RDs and I honestly just looked through old blog posts I wrote from the happyslimhealthy.com website days (RIP) and am horrified by the content I used to put out. Did anyone actually try my cauliflower “mashed potatoes” if yes I am SO SORRY. I think they call this growth right?
ANYWAYS, weight loss dieting efforts hit a high as far as marketing goes over the next few months every year. December through January the “prep for the diet” talk begins. The new year new me BULL SHIT starts, the resolutions and the ridiculousness are at an all time high.
And as much as it is in our faces and seems like it could be “different” since it is disguised as a “lifestyle change” (Im looking at you NOOM) this time around, I want you to know no matter what they call it - it is all the same BS and this is your year to say NO to it.
I was reading a study: Weight Science: Evaluating the Evidence for a Paradigm Shift by Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor and this quote struck me:
Concern has arisen that this weight focused paradigm is not only ineffective at producing thinner, healthier bodies, but also damaging, contributing to food and body preoccupation, repeated cycles of weight loss and regain, distraction from other personal health goals and wider health determinants, reduced self-esteem, eating disorders, other health decrement, and weight stigmatization and discrimination
I want you to know I understand the glittery marketing efforts. They make us question ourselves. They are frustrating and they are EVERYWHERE. But they are really smart, they know what they are doing and they know how to hit the vulnerable nerves.
But before choosing to start another diet, re-read that quote again. In there it is stating that the studies are not only showing that the weight loss dieting efforts have proven ineffective for the weight loss desired, but the consequences that come from it, are SO DAMAGING.
Many people start a diet under the assumption that it is “for their health,” but the research is SO STRONG stating that weight loss itself does not create health improvements. In this study they referenced a study on patients who received liposuction. They controlled behavior and lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, stress management etc) and saw a weight loss, BUT NO improvements in “obesity associated abnormalities.”
I know!! It is a lot to take in, and a lot to digest (RD pun here intended) but instead of telling you there is no other way to “feel better” and change perspective - I have the answer you NEED instead.
First though, remember this.
All diets give you rules.
When you follow rules for a few weeks you feel like a f*cking champ bc you are a boss rule follower. And if you play by the diet rules you expect the promised outcome. But what happens when you “break a rule” - when you “fail” you blame yourself, despite the fact that the diet set you up for this in the first place. My favorite quote from Evelyn Tribole (author of Intuitive Eating) is, “weight loss dieting is the only industry where when the customer “fails” they blame themselves instead of the product or company.” LIKE OK LIGHT BULB moment!
I talk about this a lot more in this video about dieting working for 2 weeks and then what:
Making peace with food and the journey to food freedom. It is a combination that not only has proven benefits for the long term, it is supported by research and science and can truly ENHANCE YOUR LIFE instead of take away from it. Truly the purpose of intuitive eating is “enhancing your overall life satisfaction!” SIGN ME UP FOR THAT RIGHT!?
More on that here too (dont let the cover fool you I was responding to a comment and video that is super damaging but 3 seconds in you will see my face and response!)
This year, before starting another diet I want you to ask yourself:
✨ why didn’t the last one “last?”
✨ what was my mental health like when I was on this diet?
✨ what did I have to give up in order to “sustain” this “weight loss?”
✨ why am I searching for something new???
I know the idea of making peace with food gets tossed around like it’s nothing, but it is truly more than just a phrase. It is a reality that can be yours by starting to go inward and learning to understand your relationship with food, how it impacts your life and how it truly makes you feel.
HSH is here to help. Especially this holiday season.
Our group coaching course is designed to help you begin this journey with the support you need to be “successful” at it. We love you and are here for you!
Get more info here:
Written by Jenna Werner
Hey there, I’m Jenna! I'm a Registered Dietitian, online nutrition coach and serious food lover. I'm ready to help you quit dieting forever and fall in love with the way food makes you feel.
Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.
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