In my younger years, I filled countless journals with my thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. These pages were my sanctuary, a space where I could express myself freely. Recently, I stumbled upon a box of these journals while cleaning out my closet, and what I discovered shattered my heart.
As I flipped through the pages, tears streamed down my cheeks. I found entries that obsessively detailed my daily food intake and my relentless pursuit of weight loss. Weekends were often spent enjoying food, only to be followed by solemn promises to “get back on track” come Monday. Weight loss strategies and dieting plans littered my writing, and harsh self-criticism echoed through my words whenever I faltered.
For over 15 years, my primary New Year’s resolution revolved around losing weight. Each January, I would restrict my meals and ramp up my exercise routine, convinced that this time I would finally feel satisfied. But the satisfaction I craved? It never came.
Every December 31st, I would write the same resolution in bold letters: lose as much weight as possible. What’s crucial to understand is that during this time, I was already in a slender body. I battled an eating disorder, relied on diet pills, and struggled with body dysmorphia and self-worth issues. As a young girl, I absorbed harmful messages about body image from magazines, television, and adult conversations, leading me to believe that losing weight was synonymous with health and beauty.
The New Year became synonymous with diet culture, a time when society collectively resolves to shed pounds as if our worth is tied to our size. Behind this facade lies a harsh reality: 95% of diets fail, and the weight loss industry thrives on clients regaining the weight to keep them coming back.
Let’s take a brief detour into the history of New Year’s resolutions. The ancient Babylonians were the first to create such commitments over 4,000 years ago, making promises to their gods to pay off debts and return borrowed items during a 12-day festival. The idea was not about self-improvement but about appeasing deities, with the looming threat of divine retribution for those who failed.
So why do we associate resolutions with weight loss? It’s a ritual many of us partake in, often feeling guilty after indulging during the holiday season, as though we owe our bodies an apology. But here’s the truth: we owe our bodies nothing. They have supported us through thick and thin, and we should honor them, not punish them with restrictive diets. Research increasingly shows that health isn’t exclusive to thinness.
Let’s also take a look at the diet industry’s deception. In the last decade, the Federal Trade Commission has taken significant action against companies making dubious weight loss claims. Even reputable organizations like Weight Watchers have shifted their marketing strategies to build a base of lifelong members, essentially turning weight loss into a never-ending cycle of dieting. The industry generated around $72 billion in profits last year, perpetuating a cycle of body shame and unrealistic expectations.
I have chosen to step off this hamster wheel. Embracing my body as it is has allowed me to heal from a lifelong struggle with disordered eating. I’ve created space in my life to enjoy moments, focus on my mental health, and pursue genuine goals. I no longer feel the need to make resolutions in January; instead, I embrace self-love and compassion all year round. I’ve found that I don’t need a new year to start living authentically.
As we approach the end of this year, I encourage you to give yourself grace. Indulge without guilt, laugh with abandon, and consider setting goals that don’t revolve around weight loss. Or, if you prefer, feel free to aim for nothing at all. Let’s collectively reject the pressure from the diet industry and celebrate our bodies as they are.
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Summary:
This piece reflects on the author’s journey of breaking free from the cycle of weight loss resolutions, highlighting the damaging effects of diet culture and the importance of self-acceptance. It encourages readers to embrace their bodies and pursue goals beyond weight loss.
Keyphrase: New Year’s resolution weight loss
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