Today I want to talk about an innovative “diet” that will make you feel good about food again, and it is the “anti-diet”. Of course, the anti-diet movement sounds a bit unusual and different… That is because, as its name suggests, it is actually not a diet at all.
This isn’t based on your typical run-of-the-mill calorie restriction, nor is it trying to be a slimming diet/lose weight fast gimmick… Rather, it’s a new way of eating that will make you feel completely free and at ease. So, if you are interested in this topic, keep reading.
In this article, I will show you everything you need to know about being anti-diet, and the basics of adopting an anti-diet lifestyle.
What is the Anti Diet Movement?
Anti-diet culture moves away from the ideas of dieting, i.e. restriction. But! It does not mean that it is anti-health, anti-preventative health, or anti-nutrition intervention (with a registered dietitian/nutritionist). It simply provides you with permission to take control of your choices without feeling guilty, and without having to use a ‘meal plan’ or calorie tracking app.
For example, how often have you felt guilty when dieting because you ate a slice of pizza? Or had an extra serving of pasta? Or had ice cream with your family? This is almost a guarantee when we are hyper focused on eating “the right thing”.
The solution is not in restriction (which leads to obsession and even eating disorders), but in learning to eat and enjoy food while nourishing ourselves. In other words, embracing the anti-diet movement.
The key to leading a healthy lifestyle with an anti-diet lifestyle is learning to listen to what our body asks (also known as ‘intuitive eating’ or ‘mindful eating’). If our food choices align with what our body is asking of us, then you will feel nothing short of amazing.
Is The Anti-Diet Movement Effective?
By following the proposals of the anti-diet movement, you can improve blood glucose control, without feeling hungry, without counting calories, and without binge eating.
In addition, it is convenient and applicable when eating out (no more looking ahead at the menu to see if you can eat the food!). At the same time, it allows you to learn which foods benefit you because you will be aware of the food groups you need more of and the amounts you eat.
With an anti-diet diet, you will naturally create a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber (which improves cholesterol and regulates our gut health).
Anti-Diet Benefits
Anti-diet culture has numerous health benefits:
- Feel lasting energy and regulate the natural detoxifying process in your body.
- Increase your awareness of how much food you haven eaten, and whether or not it was sufficient and complete.
- Lower your cholesterol by increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods.
- Stabilize your weight (no more weight cycling – get off the roller coaster!)
- Improve your mental health tremendously by living a life free from harsh dieting, eliminating the foods you love, and weight obsession.
Undoubtedly, the anti-diet is a balanced way of eating that naturally includes all food groups once we master tuning into what our body needs and desires. Balanced eating will optimize your digestion, and avoid abdominal bloating, gas, and constipation.
Are You Ready to Join the Anti-Diet Movement?
Suppose you learn to eat nutritiously (or as some would say, ‘eat healthy’) including plenty of plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds), you are getting enough fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water.
What does your life look like? You can make the right choices to meet your goals with simplicity and without fear! Of course, to achieve this, it is necessary to go through a learning process and master intuitive/mindful eating.
At Yates Nutrition, guiding you through the anti-diet process is exactly what I’m here to do!
Imagine learning to eat without worrying if you’re following the proper diet, researching what’s the new weight-loss trend, or stressing over things like losing a couple of pounds or counting calories!
Forget about that, which only takes you away from what’s essential: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social health.
If you’re ready for me to help you find a way of eating that makes you happy and frees you from the cycle of continuous dieting, visit yatesnutrition.com/services to see how I can help as an anti-diet dietitian.
And if you’re not quite ready to get started but still want to learn more, check out my anti-diet podcast, Nourished & Free.
Cheers!