How to Survive Not Dieting in a Diet Obsessed World
Choosing to stop dieting is one of the most liberating decisions you will make for yourself!
Just think, no rules, no restrictions, and enjoying food again without stress. What a way to live!
It's not that easy though when the rest of the world seems to be talking about the latest cleanse, the trendiest diet, and the new and improved diet supplement.
So how exactly do you stop dieting in a diet obsessed world? It's hard work because unfortunately its not the norm to not be dieting. Hopefully these tips help to keep you away from the strong diet culture we live in today.
Keep quarterly meetings with your team even when you're doing well. Your health care team will always be the constant in your life to bring you back to balance. Your dietitian, counselor, or support group will remind you of the harsh truth dieting provides. It's not wrong or uncommon to not be tempted. You can and probably will have these thoughts. But what will keep you on the right track is not engaging in harmful behaviors. Grab a cup of coffee, talk about your struggles, and remember that you're better off without the rigid lifestyle that diets provide.
Find normal eaters. Being around people who have healthy relationships with food will naturally encourage you to have the same. Work on cultivating more relationships with people who don't necessarily count calories who find enjoyment in active and healthy hobbies.
Take a social media detox especially during stressful times. More often than not, the negative self talk and criticism stem from the unrealistic body image that we are constantly reminded of on social media. If you find yourself comparing yourself to others or feeling down on the way you look re-evaluate who you follow on social media. Or at least just try taking a break from it all when the pressure to be "perfect" hits.
Stay attuned. Your body has the wisdom so work to stay connected. Meditation practice gives your body a chance to practice this. I know it sounds cliché, but remember what's most important in life. Is it really your jean size? Who really cares if you had an extra serving. Reality check: happiness comes from way more important things than what the scale says.
And that's not to say you can't have bad days. Bad days are inevitable. Work on how you navigate these days instead of just taking drastic measures and taking it out on your body.
When you're feeling tempted to start a new diet, remember that often times that's our body's way of asking for something else. Do a mini assessment and ask yourself:
What was going on right before the temptation?
What were you experiencing/feeling/hearing around you?
Examine what you find and give yourself what you NEED during those times.
Learn to nurture yourself from the ground up. That's where the happiness lives. You got this!