Let's Talk About Anti-Diet
Today is 'International No Diet Day' and it felt like a great day to talk about the word 'diet' and clarify our studio's vision relating to nutrition, as it seems to always be so closely linked to the fitness industry.
Hi there! I’m Kelly and I’m the owner of Fit2Shine Studio. I've always disliked the word diet, but I never understood why until recently when I encountered a student of ours (and now friend) who brought the term anti-diet (similarly known as non-diet) to my attention. Intrigued by this concept, I explored this more through her book club and additional research. I've always thought that the word 'diet' should generally mean the food you use to nourish your body instead of some sort of program that in our current society, actually encourages you to deplete your body. That's basically what our diet culture tells us to do... to limit how much you eat and then exercise intensely to shrink your body. Many of the fad diets out there don't take into consideration the individual person, their needs, genetics, and their personal medical needs…and how could they?
Fad diets, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, are “plans sold as the best and fastest approach to losing weight. Yet some of these diets involve eliminating foods that contain necessary nutrients that your body needs to maintain good health.” Fad diets act like they are a one-size fits all solution and I feel that has become dangerous. Our society, diet culture, and access to social media have elevated the average person to “nutrition expert” status instead of us seeking out a true qualified professional.
A registered dietitian –RD– (also known as a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN) has the education and scientific knowledge to consider all of the factors that go into how to nourish your body well and make nutrition and eating sustainable for the long term.
In my own words, the anti-diet approach is all about choosing foods that nourish your body for the life you want to live. It's about listening to your body’s cues and feelings and looking at food as a delight instead of a necessity or a burden. It's about the freedom to appreciate and respect your body enough to give it the food it desires. Limiting or restricting foods based on their calorie content or some other arbitrary measurement is not sustainable. This approach is an invitation to be kind to your body and mind, and to look at food from a different perspective. For many, it feels like freedom. This REALLY summarizes for me the way I’ve always felt about food, but I didn’t know it was a ‘thing.’
In our studio, we have always been a place of non-judgment. You will often hear us say, “you do you.” When you walk in our doors for a yoga, strength, or cycle class, there is always the freedom to choose to ride it out slowly or sit in child's pose if that's what you need for the entire class. No shame attached. We will constantly tell you to “honor your body” in your physical movements.
The anti-diet approach simply fits within our mission and applies those same freedoms to the way you nourish your body. Our general philosophy is to be trauma-informed in all aspects, which includes our language, our offerings, our partnerships, our community, and our shared space. In general, we simply will not offer you nutritional advice as part of our health and wellness services here at Fit2Shine Studio. We will always refer you to qualified professionals that can help you reach your nourishment goals.
As we consider the word ‘diet’ and the anti-diet concept, I believe the first step is recognizing that our society and diet culture has created shame around food and we do not have to accept that. We have the choice to establish a healthy and fruitful relationship with food (no pun intended).
I’m honored to introduce you to our partner, Aterra Nutrition, and invite you to join us for a free event where you can hear about the anti-diet philosophy firsthand and ask any questions you may have. As always, this is a judgment free zone intended for learning and exploring.
We will offer this in-person at Fit2Shine Studio on Thursday, May 26th at 5:30 PM and through our online platform. If you are interested in joining us, register below. And stay tuned for more opportunities as we explore the non-diet world together.