May 6th is “International No Diet Day”. A day celebrated across the world in honor of body acceptance and healthy lifestyles. Created by Mary Evans Young in 1992, this day aims to allow people to have a healthy relationship with food which includes honing in on hunger and fullness and accepting our bodies. The bigger picture of No Diet Day is all about honoring our body’s shape and sizes without discrimination and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Diets are ruled by rules and dichotomous thinking. “ Eat this…not that. “ “Be good …not bad.” A healthy lifestyle is a way of being and it is a commitment that takes time and practice evolving over time. The way we eat and the way we move literally becomes a choice.
Instead of worrying about size, shapes, diets and good or bad…think about this:
What one thing can I do this week to enhance my lifestyle and get away from diets?
Nourish:
Bring an afternoon snack containing fiber and protein,
Eat one more fruit or
Drink 2C more water today?
Move:
Take a 20 minute walk at lunch time,
Practice a 10 minute online meditation video or
Bring my kids to the park?
No Diet Day allows us to move for energy and nourish for fuel in a mindful way. Getting rid of the diet mentality is a big step in the journey of small steps towards wellness and wellbeing.
The way anything is developed is through practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice and more practice.”