Shifting the focus from dieting to health and happiness
Summer is here, and with it often comes the pressure to chase the “perfect summer body.” But what if this year, instead of striving to shrink ourselves, we prioritised our health, happiness, and mental well-being?
Diet culture has long promoted the idea that our worth is tied to our weight or how we look. It encourages cycles of restriction, guilt, and shame that can take a toll on our mental health. Constantly worrying about calories or the number on the scale can leave us feeling exhausted, frustrated, and disconnected from the joy that summer should bring.
It’s time to shift our focus.
Embrace intuitive eating
Instead of following restrictive diets, consider embracing intuitive eating. This approach encourages you to listen to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues, nourishing it with what it truly needs. Summer is the perfect time to savour seasonal treats like juicy watermelon, creamy ice cream, or grilled corn without guilt. Food is not just fuel—it’s also a source of joy, connection, and culture.
Prioritise how you feel
How your body feels should matter more than how it looks. Pay attention to what makes you feel energised, happy, and comfortable. Movement can be a celebration of what your body can do rather than a punishment. Dance, swim, walk, or stretch in ways that bring you joy.
Protect your mental health
Diet culture thrives on insecurity, but your mental health is far more valuable. Constantly comparing yourself to airbrushed images or striving for unrealistic standards can chip away at your confidence. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that your worth is not defined by a diet or a number on the scale.
This Summer, let’s ditch diet culture
Your body deserves to be nourished and cared for, not criticised. Celebrate the simple pleasures of summer—sharing a meal with loved ones, enjoying an afternoon in the sun, and moving your body in ways that feel good.
Your health and happiness are worth so much more than any fleeting trend or unrealistic ideal.
#IntuitiveEating #MentalWellness #BodyPositivity
