It's not you, it's them: The toxicity of diet culture

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.

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Lauren Carmichael, Dietitian 
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"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."