Screw Diet Culture — Embrace Your Body

pregnant woman in yellow flower dress holding her belly

Everywhere you look, there’s a barrage of messages: “Want to shed that COVID 19?” “Reach out for your ideal summer physique!” “Join our gym now with no sign-up fees!” Who else is tired of this nonsense? Sure, I might have gained a few pounds during the past year, but I don’t need constant reminders. When I reflect on my weight gain, I think about the year spent cooped up at home with my four kids. We created lasting memories through baking treats and sharing amazing meals. And honestly? I don’t care about the impact on my body. I’m grateful to be here.

The number of commercials promoting diets, shakes, and pills is mind-boggling. Women are not celebrated for their curves, stretch marks, or imperfections. Instead, we’re conditioned to loathe our bodies. The prevalence of diet culture is alarming; recent statistics indicate that 49% of Americans are on some form of diet, with 56% of women admitting to trying to lose weight. These figures are staggering. Why is this happening? Diet culture perpetuates the idea that thinner is always better, and beauty is confined to a specific, smaller size. It’s distorted and fundamentally wrong.

Every day, we’re bombarded with images of seemingly perfect individuals, setting unrealistic standards for how we should look. We live in a society obsessed with appearances, where a typical mom’s transformed body after childbirth is deemed unacceptable. There’s a perception that having flabby arms or a rounded belly is inherently wrong. The so-called perfect bodies we see are often manipulated through Photoshop and filters. When an unedited image surfaces, those individuals scramble to erase it. Why? Because even they are caught in the trap of comparison, and this cycle affects everyone who views their social media posts.

When will we learn to appreciate that every body is beautiful? Our bodies have purpose: they nurture children, carry groceries, and provide for our families. They are not meant to be flawless; they are meant to be functional. Yet, our culture has lost sight of this. Instead, we chase an ever-elusive idea of improvement, and it’s exhausting.

It’s utterly unfair. Why can’t we just be content with who we are? Why must we strive for a standard that society deems “better”? Will a smaller size truly bring you joy? Can you still be a loving parent, regardless of your dress size? Absolutely! There’s nothing wrong with that.

According to the Boston Medical Center, around 45 million Americans diet every year, spending an astonishing $33 billion on weight loss products. This includes everything from gym memberships to dubious weight loss gadgets and pills that may cause unpleasant side effects. Americans are obsessed with becoming something they’re not, and the situation only worsens.

Diet culture promotes a dangerous belief that prioritizes thinness over health and wellness. Even if you’re perfectly content with a little extra weight, you’re conditioned to feel dissatisfied. You’re expected to aspire to smaller pants and opt for light salad dressings. Counting calories and restricting yourself becomes the norm, a reality for many.

Eating disorders are on the rise, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported by the New York Times, the National Eating Disorders Association saw a 41% increase in calls to its support lines in January 2021 compared to the previous year. This surge is partly due to increased isolation, depression, and social media ridiculing pandemic weight gain. It’s disheartening to see people mocked for gaining weight during such a challenging time.

So, what can you do? Resist the diet culture trap. Avoid lamenting weight gain on social media. Don’t spend hours scrolling through Instagram for weight loss transformation photos. Remember, there’s no miracle diet. No one can healthily lose 20 pounds in a week. A magic pill won’t make you perfect; you’ll likely feel just as dissatisfied as before, still chasing an unattainable ideal. Instead, celebrate your body. Body positivity is empowering. Recognize that you are beautiful every single day.

As we emerge from a global pandemic, we’ve faced tremendous loss. Many have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Our world has irrevocably changed. But if you’re still standing, celebrate! You might look different than you did a year ago, but who cares? Own your body. Enjoy your summer in shorts or a swimsuit. Have fun with your kids, share a kiss with your partner in the sun. Be thankful! There are far worse things than a few extra pounds.

If you want to shed some weight, do it healthily. But if not, who cares? You don’t owe anyone a certain body type. Life is too short not to fully embrace it in a body you love. And if you’re interested in exploring more about becoming a parent, check out this post on home insemination kits, or consider visiting Make a Mom for expert insights on artificial insemination. For more information on the process of artificial insemination, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource.

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Summary:

This article emphasizes the importance of rejecting diet culture and embracing body positivity. It discusses the societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the detrimental effects of these pressures, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece encourages individuals to celebrate their bodies, regardless of size, and to prioritize health and happiness over societal expectations.

Keyphrase: Body Positivity
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