There are SO many rules floating around on the interwebs, finding their way into your social feeds, and politely being suggested by your friends as 'THE' only way to eat. So many opinions, so many quick fixes, so much information! Too much information!
So let's make it this simple for you (and save you hours of time and frustration): DIET'S DON'T WORK
Diet's set us up for failure. Yes, failure.
Diet's are an all or nothing mentality. Meaning, you have to do it all (and succeed) or you break a rule (and subsequently fail).
We've all been there: on a diet that is restricting the foods we eat, when a friend's birthday party comes up, or a holiday celebration is looming; this is when the panic sets in. "Do I cheat?" "Do I decide this will be my 'reward' for good behaviour?" " Do I grudgingly, but ever so politely, pass on the pie and the bread and only eat protein and veggies? But I really want the pie!"
This internal battle creates negative self-talk that is absolutely, undoubtably going to set you up for failure. You cheat, you bend the rules, and then you feel TERRIBLE for doing it. You punish yourself, you talk negatively to yourself, and thus, the cycle of dieting continues.
This Diet Culture mentality is not healthy and is, in fact, detrimental to your relationship with food.
So, if you don't diet, what do you do? That's what you're thinking, right?
You listen to your body and you understand that eating intuitively and mindfully is the only sustainable way to nourish your body properly today and into the future. There are no cheat meals here, nor are there 'good' or 'bad' foods. There are just foods: chocolate, wine, and pasta are all acceptable. The key here is moderation and tuning into your body's reaction to the foods it is consuming.
Here are 4 keys to creating success in sustainably feeding your body:
1. Set Goals: We're not talking about BIG, over-the-top goals here. Keep it simple, keep it small. Start with a small meaningful goal that is achievable!
2. Map out a Plan: Setting a goal is one thing, but you have to do the work to get the goal. What steps are you going to take to ensure that you reach your goal? Write down these steps, breaking them down into as much detail as you want.
3. Make Nutrition a Priority: Schedule time each week or each day, whatever works for you, to prioritize your nutrition. This means planning your grocery lists, getting to the grocery store, cooking your food, and (our favourite part) eating your food.
4. Look for Help: As Nutritionists, this is what we are here for. To work with you to establish your goals, create your plan, and prioritize your nutrition with layered accountability. We are your accountability partner - we will keep you on track of the goals that you set for yourself.
Drop the all the rules that you've heard before!
Within these four simple steps, you can find a truly sustainable way to live, without Diet Culture ever making an appearance in your life.