Written by Leanne Richardson, Registered Dietitian, MPH, Upper Grand Family Health Team & Lindzie O’Reilly, MAN, Registered Dietitian, University of Guelph
Join the Waterloo Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition on May 6 as we advocate against dieting on International No Diet Day. This day is about challenging the idea that there is one “acceptable” body size or shape, and pushing back against the industries that promote and benefit from harmful diet culture.
Dieting can be defined as any intentional change to our lifestyle (modifying food habits, exercise routine, supplements) for the sole purpose of changing our weight or shape. Although the word diet, or declaration, “I’m on a diet,” is approached by many with good intentions, dieting can be harmful to our physical and mental health – we know that dieting is generally the first behavioral step towards developing an eating disorder. The act of dieting normalizes disordered eating behaviours such as preoccupation with “good vs. bad” food, calorie counting and measuring portion sizes, and can make food seem like the enemy. And let’s face it, diets don’t always improve (and often actually impair) your health. People who repeatedly lose and gain weight (also known as weight cycling) have a higher risk of heart disease than those who have a stable weight. Diets can rob you of energy, time and money and weight loss industries are the ones making the profit. The global market for weight loss products and services is set to reach $377.3 billion by 2026. If you’re bending over backwards to be on a diet, it might be time to think about a more sustainable approach.
On this International No Diet Day, let this be a reminder to folks that there is no one-size-fits all approach, and everyone’s path and journey towards health and well-being will look very different.
Here are five ways you can participate in International No Diet Day (and beyond):
1. Experiment with different activities to find one you enjoy doing! Moving your body is meant to be enjoyable and should not be grueling, painful or used as a form of punishment.
2. Eat when your body tells you it needs fuel. You may feel stomach grumbles, but other signs may include feeling tired or irritable, having trouble concentrating, or having a headache.
3. Notice how your body responds to food and eat a portion size that satisfies you, energizes you, or tastes good to you. Portion sizes are different from serving sizes, which are listed on a food package or box in order to give us information about macro and micronutrients. Your body may need more than the “serving size” amount.
4. Refrain from labeling foods as “good”, “bad”, “healthy” or “unhealthy”. Call food what it is and accept that all foods can fit within your daily eating routine.
5. Unfollow social media accounts that promote restrictive diets, weight loss supplements or an “ideal” body type. Follow accounts that promote joyful movement, nourishment and body acceptance for all shapes and sizes. Unsure where to start? Some of my personal favourites on Instagram are @lizzobeeating, @aliciamccarvell, and @thebirdspapaya.
If you are engaging in risky behaviours such as exercising to punish or change your body, limiting yourself to certain foods or portion sizes even if your body gives you cues that it wants more, or regularly under- or over-eating as an emotional coping strategy, you’re not alone. Reach out for support and build additional tools in your toolbox. See the Resources section of our website for support.
Check us out on Facebook and Instagram to see positive INDD messages on May 6th. Spread the word in your own networks and make a difference today!
Source: www.NEDIC.ca
