lol get it? Because we’re breaking up with diet culture, yet they don’t care because the only thing they cared about was making a profit and not your physical/ mental/ social health. *laughs to keep from crying*

What’s the best form of revenge??? Setting firm and healthy boundaries! Yes! Here are 5 ways to do just that when it comes to diet culture:

1. Unfollow or mute triggering social media accounts: Take control of your social media feed by unfollowing or muting accounts that promote diet culture, unrealistic body ideals, or weight loss strategies that make you feel inadequate or trigger negative emotions. Instead, follow accounts that promote body acceptance, intuitive eating, and a neutral relationship with food and exercise. Follow people of various body sizes, weights, and shapes to see that there is no “one way” to have a body.

    

2. Reject diet talk and redirect conversations: When faced with conversations about diets, weight loss, or body shaming, politely express your disinterest and redirect the conversation to more positive or neutral topics. You can say something like, "I prefer not to focus on diets or body size. Let's talk about something else that we all enjoy”. For a less direct response, you can change the conversation. By doing this, you are discretely showing you will not engage in diet talk.

    

3. Set personal boundaries with family and friends: Communicate your boundaries with loved ones and ask for their support. Let them know that you're working on embracing body acceptance and prioritize your mental and physical well-being over engaging in diet culture discussions or activities. Ask them to respect your choices and avoid making comments about your body or weight. You family and friends don’t have to understand, but they do need to respect your boundary.

    

4. Practice intuitive eating: Shift your focus away from restrictive diets and instead listen to your body's signals of hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. Honor your cravings and give yourself permission to enjoy a wide variety of foods without guilt or judgment. By embracing intuitive eating, you can establish a healthy relationship with food based on nourishment and pleasure rather than rigid rules.

    

5. Engage in joyful movement: Move your body in ways that bring you joy and make you feel good, rather than solely focusing on burning calories or achieving a certain appearance. Find activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's dancing, hiking, yoga, or any other form of physical activity. Cultivate a positive relationship with exercise that promotes well-being and self-care.

BONUS: 2 More Ways to Say “Get Away From Me” @ Diet Culture

6. Challenge and question societal norms: Actively question the messages and beauty ideals perpetuated by diet culture. Reflect on how these norms affect your self-image and well-being. Surround yourself with diverse representations of bodies in media and celebrate the beauty of all body shapes and sizes. Engage in critical discussions to challenge societal norms and promote body acceptance and inclusivity.

7. Seek support and education: Connect with supportive communities, online or offline, that share your values of body positivity and reject diet culture. Engage in educational resources such as books, podcasts, or workshops that focus on intuitive eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), and body acceptance. Seek guidance from professionals who specialize in disordered eating, body image, or mental health to help you navigate your journey towards setting boundaries with diet culture.

Remember, setting boundaries is about prioritizing your well-being and maintaining a positive relationship with yourself. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate these conversations and choices. If needed, seek support from professionals, such as therapists or registered dietitians, who specialize in intuitive eating and body image.

Your Dietitian bff,

Abbey