by Meyya Venkatachalam

In a world where we are encouraged to grow and thrive, we are also conditioned that weighing less equates to health.

This relationship between weight and health fails to fully recognise the complexities of weight loss nor does it acknowledge the risks associated with these messages.

This toxic dialogue is drilled into us from a young age, and is almost unescapable unless you live under a ‘rock’.

It swamps us on our social media pages from #fitspo to food pics of ‘super healthy’ bowls of rabbit food with a side of magical sprinkles which somehow detoxes you from head to toe.

You may also be aware of every second ad on TV selling an ‘ab king pro’ or a new weight loss program that are marketed with the words; health, non-restrictive and mindful.

Maybe you have an experience of hearing about a family member or close friend's newest dieting fad and not hearing the end of it.

I would like to introduce a term called ‘diet-culture’ and this is what diet culture is in a nutshell.

The diet industry is a multimillion-dollar industry who make their money off our failed dieting attempts.

I say this with respect, it’s not you, it's them.

Diets suck and they all go bottom up because most humans cannot stick to them.

Then the dieting cycle starts – restrict, HUNGER, refuel, feel guilty (because your body did its job and responded to restriction) ….so you tell yourself you’ll start again Monday.

Do you believe me now when I say its unescapable?

The sad truth is, if a body does not fit into what society deems is an okay body, our world encourages behaviours alike to behaviours of someone with a clinical eating disorder.

The catch is… health is so much more than what we look like, how much we eat and what size jeans we fit into.

The issue is that it is incredibly complex and when we comply to societies standards it can be counterproductive and effect your relationship to your body, exercise, and food.

This doesn’t mean nourishing your body goes out the window.

​It means it can be done in a way that you can sustain and enjoy – with a side of gentle nutrition and self-compassion.

​For all bodies, nourishment is always going to assist in achieving wellness.

Lauren works with clients from all over Australia via Telehealth so you can have an appointment with her from the comfort of your own home.

​You’re probably thinking ‘Eh…. another dietitian’.

I know, I know, I hear you.

I think we probably all have experienced the dreaded dietitian experience…the anxious build up prior to an appointment or perhaps a memory of being forced to step on a scale to feel more humiliated about our bodies. I understand that uncomfortable feeling all too well and can relate it to a herd of sheep cattle being lined up for slaughter.

Did I say I hear you?

Well, I can reassure you that this old way of practicing has long been thrown out the window. I mean the very back window, thrown in the trash then sent to the garbage tip.

Old news!

My goal as a dietitian is to assist my clients in freeing themselves from the guilt and shame around food and their bodies.

I want to be able to change the thinking around societies expectations of us in terms of what we ‘should and should not eat’ and ‘should and should not look like’.

I aim to guide and empower my clients to feel free from food and diet mentality so they can actually enjoy all the greatness of life.

So, what do I do?

During my assessments I take into consideration all the nitty gritty that makes you YOU!

We discuss what makes up your life, medical histories and what you want to achieve from seeing me. This could be for a range of things, such as managing chronic disease or just stepping away from dieting because you have finally come to terms that they are just not for you. You’re not alone, for most people diets don’t work because no one can stick to them…..Mic drop.

I also won’t force weigh you or make you feel pressured to tell me your number. Again, this is about you and if it ever comes up it is always discussed with your permission and with respect.

We would then catch up regularly based on what would be appropriate for you and reflect and debrief on how you’re going then guide you in the right direction nutritionally until our next visit.

How freeing would it be to stop putting our bodies through diet hell and start appreciating it for housing everything that makes us….US?

Who’s with me?

​I work with clients all over Australia via Telehealth so if you want to overcome any food issues then enquire about a session now. 

Lauren Carmichael, Dietitian 
"I consider myself a passionate and dedicated practitioner who practices under a body inclusive lens. I pride myself on being a non-diet dietitian meaning I try my best to steer away from diet culture and what our world says we ‘need to eat and do’ to be healthy. Instead, I put my focus on wellness which I am very aware looks different on everyone."

It is important to check-in with your child and explore the reasons your child may be experiencing eating-related challenges. Young children may be experiencing power struggles at home. Pre-teens might be preoccupied with their body or friendship groups as they develop and become exposed to unrealistic body goals. Children may also be preoccupied with screen time during meals or feeling stressed about upcoming tests or social events at school.

An alternative to constantly reminding your child to ‘just sit and eat’ or ‘finish everything on your plate’ is to take a skill building approach. A psychologist or paediatric dietitian can help the child build on the following skills that may be linked to eating-related challenges:

• Handling novelty
• Persisting on challenging tasks
• Maintaining focus
• Regulating emotions when feeling distressed
• Seeking attention in appropriate ways​

Speaking with a psychologist may help you to identify and support you through age-related challenges that your child may be experiencing, and which skill development areas can be considered in a treatment plan.

Children can learn to practice relaxation and eating new food mindfully in sessions with the psychologist or dietitian. Parents can also be provided with helpful resources around mealtimes and addressing challenging behaviours.

Instilling positive relationships with food in children can reduce the risk of long term health issues including obesity, negative body image and type 2 diabetes. 
 
Here are some tips to help children build positive relationships with food:

1. Do not use food as bribes. Instead, use other positive reinforcements such as verbal praise or spending quality family time together (such as going to the park or playing a game) as motivation. 
2. Allow children to eat according to their hunger cues. This means allowing children to eat until they are full, but not stuffed. Encourage them to listen to their bodies.
3. It is better for children to learn about food as “everyday food” and “sometimes food” rather than “good food” and “bad food”.
4. Children tend to use parents as role models from a very young age. Having a variety of food available at family meals can help children to enjoy a wide range of food. 
5. Talk about food as food groups and the nutrients the food provides, rather than talking about the calorie, sugar and/or fat content. 

 
Ultimately, all food can be and should be enjoyed in moderation. The only time you should actively avoid a food is when you have a specific food allergy or food intolerance.