Happy International No-Diet Day
International No Diet Day (INDD) is an annual celebration of body acceptance. Today is all about raising awareness of potential dangers of dieting but mainly promoting a healthy lifestyle with a focus on a healthy body at any size.
When was the last time you were offered food and didn’t turn it down, because you considered it naughty and said “I’m on a diet”. I have to admit that even though I’m trying to be more accepting of my body and trying hard not to judge food as good or bad, I have said this at least once in the past week.
When was the last time you truly sat down and enjoyed the food that was in front of you, without thinking of the consequences?
Do you watch little kids eat with pure enjoyment, unfazed about the amount of calories they just put in their mouth and wish that you too could enjoy your mini cupcake guilt free?
Lastly, when was the last time you looked at your self in the mirror and thought “I look damn good today”, without finding a single fault?
Well guess what?
There is no such thing as BAD food!
All food is good you just have to practice mindful eating. Mindful eating is a ritual!
It’s the perfectly set table, a glass of sparkling water with the lemon twist. It’s the cutlery and the serviette folded perfectly. The mobile phone and TV is switched off. Your favourite meal is on the plate and you bite into it with your eyes closed. Now focus on the taste and the smell. You will notice that you will be able to enjoy what ever you crave and because you are focused on what you eat, you will feel fuller quicker. You will be able to tune into your body and know when enough it enough.
If you feel like a burger and chips, then don’t go and get just any burger. Get the one you truly feel like eating. If you are going to eat “bad” then at least enjoy what you are having.
And next time you look in the mirror override that thought of not good enough. You are perfect the way you are!
Say out loud “I am perfect just the way I am”
Repeat this every morning. When you value your self you will inadvertently do everything to nurture a happy body and mind.
When you wake up today start your day with a Green Juice, look at your self in the mirror and say “I look fantastic today”. Most importantly enjoy today and dare to do what the weight loss and restricted diets say you should not.
Enjoy great quality food regardless if it has butter in it.
Take a walk in the fresh air even if you think you look too 'fat' in your work out cloths.
Laugh with your family and friends over a nice cake for desert.
And happy NO-DIET DAY!!