Is the word 'diet' a trigger for you?

For most of us, the word "diet" equals deprivation. It means giving up food and drink we are used to having to make ourselves thinner/healthier, and sometimes, because our doctor told us we need to. For me, the first think I think of when I think of that word is a large chocolate brownie. With nuts. And for many of us, the eating plan we're given is not sustainable long term. There are just too many things we miss eating.

The Oxford Languages dictionary defines diet as, "the kinds of food that a person, animal or community habitually eats." So, here are two key questions.

What if the approach toward a recommended diet was not about all the things you should remember not to eat? What if the 'diet' were all about identifying what you can eat and drink to achieve your goal(s)?

Seeing an eating plan as a form of deprivation can feel isolating in social situations, where people around you are eating and drinking things you are trying to be good and avoid. [And when did it become 'bad' to eat foods you love?] On the other hand, a goal-oriented approach feels empowering. You get to choose how to be successful at becoming slimmer and healthier -- and seeing how good you can become at it.

Please note - this is not about doing everything perfectly. It's about having the courage, and the commitment, to recognize that just as it was possible to create an eating plan around foods that led to weight gain and feeling in poor health, it is possible to create another eating plan that supports feeling energetic and healthy. Your choice.

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