Just like that, January is almost here. Besides the cold temperatures, the cold claws of diet culture creep in this time of year. Brrr- I just felt a shiver down my spine! But in all seriousness, I think it's important to recognize that as of today (December 2020), most people are not on the Anti-Diet train (yet!!). So, we will hear and see about a zillion radio, Tv, and internet ads for weight-loss products. We are going to hear from our family and friends about how AH-mazing their diet is going. We are going to see before and after photos on our social media feed.

But if diets really worked, why would we have to keep going on them? If diets really are all that, then why do we end up quitting them? You know the science doesn't support dieting to improve health or result in long term weight loss. You can find more on that here.

Regardless of knowing what you do about diets, it might be tempting to dip your toes in the diet culture waters. And hey- NO JUDGEMENT IF YOU DO. There is always space here for you when you are ready. But let's recognize this pressure that we face and name it. When the diet/weight loss chatter starts up, make a mental note, "this is diet culture." Or maybe try “here’s that diet culture BS again!” Or “this is that 72+ billion-dollar industry that wants me to hate my body & not trust its wisdom.” When we see or hear it, naming diet culture helps us recognize how prevalent it is, brings awareness, and it provides us some distance to evaluate if we want to partake. Don't worry if it feels awkward at first; this practice becomes second nature with time. Naming diet culture can be a significant step in your recovery from disordered eating.

Maybe diets, weight loss, and burning calories were your go-to New Year's resolutions, and you're feeling a little lost. I think a big misconception about the non-diet approach is that you are throwing health out the window. Hell no! We are throwing DIET CULTURES' definition of health out of the window. You can still pursue health (if you so choose) while ditching diets. Health is not synonymous with weight. When we aren’t focused on the scale, our definition of health can expand to encompass our spiritual, emotional, physical, social, environmental, financial, intellectual, and occupational wellbeing.  

 If you need a little inspiration for some non-weight loss goals this year, peruse this list and see if something resonates with you! I'd love to see in the comments what goals, mantras, or things you are letting go of in 2021!

• Pick up journaling

• Start a weekly video call with friends

• Schedule lunch breaks

• Learn a new skill

• Make & attend doctor appointments

• Floss!

• Use a planner

• Take your medications

• Start a self-care practice

• Pay off debt

• Stretch

• Try new foods

• Quit smoking

• Create a cleaning routine (and make it fun!)

• Spend less time staring at your phone

• Have more date nights

• Make a habit of helping others

• Ask others for help

• Smash your scale

• Make time for play

• Pick up trash

• Create art

• Do a push-up or touch your toes

• Start a meditation practice

• Learn how to cook

• See a therapist

• Get into nature more

• Eat more fiber

• Advocate for human (& animal) rights

• Set aside time to read

• Drink more water

• Pet more dogs

• Start a gratitude practice

• Declutter your house & donate what you don't need

• Take time off of work

• Get enough sleep

• Do something fun every day

• Make movement a regular part of your routine

• Start recycling

• DITCH DIETING