In the midst of a global health crisis, now is a perfect time to make health and nutrition a priority. But in our body-image obsessed culture - supported by a multibillion-dollar industry that profits from body dissatisfaction, the idealized body image, dieting and fear of fat, this can be incredibly difficult as there's nothing healthy about our diet culture. Sadly, weight loss and body image are still a priority for many in a global health crisis.
The diet culture is constantly reminding you that you are not good enough at your current weight and being a bit thinner or more toned will improve your health and happiness.
If self-isolation and stay-at-home orders are becoming a real challenge in managing your mental health as it relates to your body image, consider that no amount of dieting or extreme exercise will make this pandemic less scary or will improve your mental well-being. Restriction, purging, bingeing, obsession, rigidity or "clean eating" only provide a false sense of control and temporary numbing of emotions in the otherwise out-of-control world that we are currently living in.
If you’re struggling with food or body image at this time, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Because the diet culture is alive and well during this pandemic, here are some important reminders to help you get through this chapter in your life:
- It's ok to feel your emotions - As a culture, we are taught to avoid unpleasant emotions. This often leads to finding ways to temporarily escape from these uncomfortable feelings - often relying on alcohol, drugs, restricting food, binging on food, staying busy, or self-harming as coping mechanisms. With so much going on, you have every right to experience a range of emotions. There are many new obstacles and circumstances to navigate. If you are having a difficult time, what you are feeling is completely valid. An integral component of being able to cope with emotions is the practice of self-compassion. Stay kind, grateful and compassionate to your body.
- Life is not pass or fail - Perfectionism is never helpful. Perfect is the enemy of the good. Instead of aiming for perfect, focus on making something "good enough". Do the best you can with what you have. Not every meal is going to be perfectly balanced. Sometimes your snacks will be just ok. Your diet may ebb and flow based on your energy, mood and what you can find at the store (or in your kitchen). This ok. Stay flexible with your food choices knowing that the most important thing right now is keeping yourself nourished as best as you can.
- Set boundaries - The intense media coverage, overwhelming tips by fitness influencers and conflicting messages on social media can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. When you feel overwhelmed, down or anxious, it can be extremely difficult to take action and do things that positively help to improve your mood and thinking. Set boundaries for yourself so that you do, read and see things that help to lift your mood.
- Talk it out - You do not have to face your feelings alone. Talk to someone you trust about your concerns or reach out to a health professional.
