New Year, Same Shitty Resolution

I am intimately familiar with the idea of dieting. The New Year is right on the horizon, and one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions is for people to lose weight (Davis, 2023). The New Year can be a fresh start for people, a chance to reinvent themselves and create an idealized persona. However, this can come at a cost to our emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Diet culture has persisted over the years despite individuals vocalizing their disdain and the harmful effects linked to dieting. Many individuals insist that weight loss makes people healthier, happier, and overall live better lives. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. These claims are not valid. In fact, people who lose weight through dieting often times gain back an equal or greater amount of weight long term.

Dangers of Diet Culture

In addition, people often develop disordered eating patterns from engaging in diets. By their very nature, diet culture encourages food restriction and excessive exercise. As a result, people can become obsessive with their body image and perception. Some people develop anorexia nervosa (AN), an eating disorder (ED) characterized by extreme fear of weight gain and being perceived as fat. Alternatively, some people develop bulimia nervosa (BN), an ED where individuals participate in binge eating and then seek ways to get rid of the food, such as vomiting, taking laxatives, or vigorous exercise. One ED that is not discussed as frequently is binge-eating disorder (BED), in which individuals participate in binge-eating; however, do not feel compelled to rid the food.

Nobody is immune from public scrutiny regarding their appearance, especially celebrities. Arguably, one of the most famous women in the world, Taylor Swift, has publicly admitted struggling with an ED and disordered eating patterns. Another renowned star, Elton John, struggled with his mental health and underwent treatment for bulimia. Demi Lovato has been quite outspoken about her problematic substance use and mental health struggles, including disordered eating. She discusses her relationship with food and rejection of societal standards in her song, “Melon Cake.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMmWt1VDbnc

Ditching Diet Culture and Loving Yourself

You might be wondering what you can do entering the new year. Setting sustainable goals can seem daunting; believe me, I understand how challenging it can be. Here are some gentle reminders for embarking on the new year:

  • Embrace your imperfections. Society places so much pressure on us to be perfect, and that becomes our internalized monologue. You are allowed to not be perfect. In fact, I challenge you to do something just because it brings you joy, regardless of if it turns out perfect. For example, pick up a new hobby, try a new sport, and let yourself be vulnerable.
  • Allow yourself grace and kindness. Ask yourself, “Would I say this to my best friend?” or “Would I say this to a child?”
  • Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. There will certainly be difficult days; however, we can find joy in the simplest pleasures. Give yourself permission to feel a range of emotions while also practicing gratitude.
  • Set sustainable goals for yourself. Instead of telling yourself to lose weight, a sustainable plan could be increasing muscle by weightlifting three times a week. You are allowed to feel comfortable and confident in your body¾own it!
  • Surround yourself with supportive people. The company we keep can truly define who we are and what we are willing to stand for. Having supportive individuals in your life, it can alleviate stress, increase our sense of belonging, and contribute to resilience (Maypole, 2020).

The only weight I encourage you to lose in the new year is the weight of societal expectations! In the new year, give yourself the gift of self-love and self-kindness because you genuinely deserve it. If any of this resonates with you, please reach out and explore these ideas with me. I’d love to support your self-love journey by fostering self-compassion and self-kindness.

If you are interested in working with me please send an email to info@ksrc.ca and book your appointment now!

Katelind

References:

Davis, S. (2023, January 11). New Year’s Resolutions Statistics 2023. Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/

Raypole, C. (2020, August 17). Here’s How Friendships Help Boost Health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-friendship