Don’t Buy Into Diet Culture

We all put things off. It’s human nature. It can be because of punched out schedules, overwhelm, fatigue and a sense of “where do I start?” 

Now, if you are a woman in midlife and are perimenopausal or post menopause, you can feel even more overwhelmed than you have at other times in your life. You, my friend, have been put through the diet culture ringer for decades and have been conditioned to believe that “I’ll start Monday”, “New Year New Me!”, “I’ll restrict harder when….” is logic. I am here to tell you that it is not.

As a Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist and former diet adherent, I can tell you that there is a plethora of data out there to unequivocally support the fact that diets don’t work. Restriction is not sustainable and in fact can lead to both disordered eating and eating disorders. Midlife eating disorders are documented as the second highest occurrence of eating disorders in women (puberty has the highest occurrence.) When we buy into the diet culture narrative of “eat less, exercise more, restrict harder, fast, do keto, do intermittent fasting, see quick results, drop x amount of pounds a week”, we are subscribing to methods that are not evidence based, informed or sustainable. 

Our brains and bodies need carbs. They need protein, fibre, fat and balance. They do not need water fasts, fat burners, cortisol busting plans or the moral demonization of food. Women in midlife are sold the idea that there will be one “magic” pill, plan or supplement that will eliminate “meno belly, batwings, crepey skin or love handles.” It is all unsubstantiated and designed to make you feel anxious about your appearance, about your value, about your worth. 

Don’t buy into diet culture. Slow, balanced change, mindset work and healthy habits with a slight calorie deficit will have the biggest impact on your life. Join our free community, Make The Change Menopause Coaching, on Facebook to learn how to do this. Set yourself up for a new year that feels better without restriction. 

 

Carol Peat is a woman's health advocate, Mum of three, wife to one, Nana of two and dog Mum to Piper, a golden retriever. She is passionate about you feeling your best, brave in your body.