Hi there!
How many times have you said "I'm done with this stupid diet!" only to find yourself tempted by the latest trend, gadget or app promising a quick fix? Trust me, I get it. It's hard not to feel like we should keep trying even when we know that diets don't work.
That's why I want to dig into the difference between ditching the diet and ditching the diet mentality.
Ditching the Diet: This means saying goodbye to diets or plans that make you follow rules, count points, or play food Tetris in an app. Well done for saying, “No more!” to the rules and the restriction, but does that really feel like enough?
Ditching the Diet Mentality: This is where the real magic happens. It means letting go of all the sneaky, lingering beliefs that come from years of dieting. It's about dropping thoughts like, “I shouldn’t eat that” or “I need to be ‘good’ today.” It’s the shift from seeing food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ to simply seeing it as food!
Why Is This Important?
When we only ditch the diet but hold onto the mentality, it keeps us stuck in a cycle of guilt, shame, and self-judgment around food. It's like trying to swim with ankle weights on—you’re never truly free and it will always feel hard.
No matter what your food or health goals are, the diet mentality will trip you up, every single time. Want to eat more vegetable - which is "best"? Want to start exercising - what's the "most" effective ? See what I mean?
The diet mentality is sneaky too:
- Feeling guilty for eating dessert or giving yourself a pat on the back for having a salad
- Celebrating with food one day but restricting it the next
- Letting a “bad” meal derail your entire day
Imagine This Instead:
- Enjoying all foods (even chips!) without worrying about the "right balance", or with a side of guilt
- Learning to choose foods based on what your body needs and wants rather than what a plan tells you
- Moving your body because it feels good, not because you “have to burn off” what you ate
How Do You Ditch the Diet Mentality?
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Recognize the Thoughts: Pay attention to those inner voices telling you what you "should" or "shouldn't" eat. Are they making it easier, or more challenging to decide what to eat?
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Challenge the Rules: Ask yourself where those food rules came from. Do they align with your values of wanting to find peace and ease with food, or are they leftovers from past diets?
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Find Joy in Eating Again: Start focusing on what feels good and nourishing for your body. It’s about finding satisfaction in your meals, not just checking off boxes.
- 🎙Listen to this week's podcast episode with Dr Emma Beckett! Dr Emma uncovers why it's human nature to fall prey to diet culture's tricks, and shares advice for how to be more discerning. Click here to listen, or below to watch on YouTube.
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Take the Next Step with Me!
If you're ready to truly ditch the diet mentality, there's still time to grab your spot in the FREE 5-Day Ditch The Diet Mentality Challenge that starts on October 1st!
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You'll also get full access to my Midlife & Menopause Guide to Intuitive Eating course to help you start eating more intuitively right away.
Chat soon,
Jenn
P.S. Reply to this email with one diet rule you’re ready to ditch, and let’s celebrate together!
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