As a Registered Dietitian, I am always learning new information from my clients. Unfortunately when it comes to nutrition information, much of this information is exaggerated, skewed, or totally inaccurate.  It is no secret that misinformation surrounding nutrition has been being spread for a very long time, but with social media information is being spread at high speed all over the world. The misrepresentation of nutrition information and the strong presence of fad dieting information on social media can seriously damage an individual’s relationship with food and body. It can damage self esteem and body image. It often promotes being “thinner” as a pathway to gaining love, acceptance, & respect.  Striving to become “healthy” can become very “unhealthy” and much of the information presented on social media, promotes external induced changes versus internal changes. Sustainable changes require us to explore why we eat, how we eat, and who we are as an eater. 

As the holiday season is approaching, remember that all foods can fit into a healthy diet. Teaching your children that certain foods are something that they should limit or fear, will not help them regulate it better. It is important to learn how to help your child form a healthy and positive relationship with all foods, including sweets and foods that contain sugar. Learning to help them listen to their body, specifically in regards to their sugar intake, can make a huge impact on their ability to properly nourish their bodies.

Learning to honor and respect your body’s needs in a society infused with toxic diet culture messages can be confusing and at times down right terrifying. We are taught to hold the belief that if only we reached “X “number of pounds we would happier and live a more fulfilling live. Diet culture teaches us to use external factors to guide the eating process (counting calories, timed eating, macros, etc.). Fortunately, with intention and support, we can reignite our intuitive selves. Intuitive Eating is a process in which individuals learn to tune into their internal signals. If you’ve spent years following diets or self-imposed food rules, it can be a challenge to tune inward and trust your body. This process is NOT “perfect”. This process is NOT linear. This process IS powerful and life changing. You CAN let go of the diet culture noise and (re)learn to respect and honor your body and ultimately, “Treasure the Pleasure” of a healthy relationship with food and your body. What diet culture belief can you begin to let go of to embark on your Intuitive Eating journey?

Food is energy, food is culture, food is comfort. Food has always, and will always, be an integral aspect of life. If you’re feeling stuck in the mindset of “good foods” and “bad foods” I encourage to widen your lens. What other values can you see in food outside of nutritional value? It is undeniable that foods hold sensory values, emotional values, and environmental values. Intentionally incorporate variety in your intake and see what happens when you view food from the context of all of its values. What values feel important to you? By shifting our focus we are able to widen food acceptance and reduce guilt. Who doesn’t want that?!