• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

how to choose great brand ambassadorships: running edition

a much more relaxed week

5 sources of mental clutter

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / 5 diet culture lies we should ignore

5 diet culture lies we should ignore

May 14, 2021      22 Comments

As a fitness and wellness blogger, I walk a fine line between healthy truth and diet culture lies. What is diet culture? According to UC San Diego, diet culture refers to “a set of beliefs that values thinness, appearance, and shape above health & well-being.”

I try to promote an ideal of being fit and healthy, no matter what form that takes. After all, ten different people can embark on the exact same diet and exercise plan for the same amount of time, and they will yield ten different results. It is my hope that people embrace their own beauty, while setting and achieving goals that make them feel strong and healthy.

diet culture lies

Numbers Are Not A Moral Issue

Neither the size on your jeans nor the number on your scale have any bearing on the quality of your character. Somewhere along the line, thinness became equated with goodness, and that’s just not true. Numbers, including weight, size, and BMI, do not reflect who you are, or what you are worth. Ascribing to a particular way of eating doesn’t make you “better than.” Please don’t forget that.

diet culture lies

Food Is Neither Good Nor Bad

For some reason, diet culture loves to assign the labels of “good” and “bad” to the foods we put in our body. Yes, food is fuel, but it’s also delicious, and something to be enjoyed Food is community and a common ground. Some people don’t have enough food, some have bodies who fight against food, and still others have the privilege to be voluntarily selective abut what they eat. We need food to survive, so it seems somewhat unkind and unnecessary to assign some sort of righteousness to what we consume. Do your best to give your body what it needs to run efficiently, but don’t get so lost in that pursuit that you lose sight of the joy that sustenance can bring.

diet culture lies

Wear. The. Bathing. Suit.

So many people dread shopping for a bathing suit, which begs the question “but, why?” A bathing suit is just another piece of fabric we wear for a specific purpose (hanging out at the pool or beach), and has no business ruining your day. I have two rules when I pick a new suit: it needs to contain my (average) chest, and it needs to keep all my inside parts from touching the outside world. End of story. Your rules may vary. The point is, please don’t beat yourself up if you don’t fit some arbitrary standard. For the love of all that is holy, wear the dang bathing suit and be proud!

diet culture lies

You Are Worthy To Take Up Space In This World

For the longest time, I was convinced that I didn’t deserve space. I tried to make myself small and invisible, no tiny feat when you’re 5’10” with a broad frame. Diet culture taught me that since I didn’t fit into a certain body shape or size, that I didn’t deserve a seat at table, and should relegate myself to the fringes of life. Years later, with hours of therapy and soul-searching under my belt, I can tell you that’s a lie. I may not look a certain way, but I am important, and valuable and deserve to be seen and heard. Don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise.

You Are Enough Just The Way You Are

Diet culture would have you believe that if you don’t fit its unnecessarily rigorous standards, you aren’t enough. This is false. You ARE enough, and don’t you dare forget it. Who you are is so much more important than calories and macros and workouts. If anyone tells you differently, that reflects poorly on them, not you. Be strong, be proud, and live your best life, on your terms.

diet culture lies

Falling prey to diet culture lies can lead to a host of issues, including depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and even eating disorders. Our bodies are beautiful, and are capable of great things. Let’s not do more damage to ourselves by disrespecting them or by trying to force them into something they’re not.

Welcome to Fit Five Friday, our new linkup!

We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites! Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun? 

fit five friday

Grab our graphic and share the love!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Do you let yourself get sucked into the lies of diet culture?

If you need help, please contact the Helpline at National Eating Disorders.  They offer support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or a loved one. Helpline volunteers are trained to help you find the information and support you need.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Coco says

    May 14, 2021 at 12:30 pm

    Great reminders. I particularly hate the “clean” food movement. What does it mean? Unprocessed? But thinks like almond milk and oatmilk are highly processed foods with additives to stabilize the milk-like consistency. Plus, brownies aren’t dirty, just delicious. 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      You are absolutely right! And brownies ARE delicious!

      Reply
  2. Darlene S Cardillo says

    May 14, 2021 at 12:59 pm

    Great post.

    I NEVER weigh myself. If my clothes are too tight. I know what that means.

    I enjoy eating. I don’t limit what I can eat but I know I need to be active to stay a healthy weight.

    Bathing suits? Tough one. We are all different. We have to feel good. I could wear a bikini but I would not feel good. Tankini with a skirt suits me fine.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      My husband has to keep his scale at his office. I can’t be near it.

      I think there’s a difference in steering clear of a bathing suit because YOU don’t feel comfortable, and because someone told you you shouldn’t be wearing it. Wear what makes you feel good!

      Reply
  3. Jenny says

    May 14, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    Ah, I love this topic. I could cry when I think of all the years of my life I wasted worrying about how my body looked, how much I weighed, and what kind of foods I was eating. Totally agree with everything you said- love the “good” and “bad” food point (and I agree with Coco- I hate the term “clean” food because then that means some foods are “dirty?”) Getting older helps, running helps, but I just wish there were a way to communicate this to all the twelve-year-old girls out there who are just starting the whole journey. It’s tough.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      Same same same. And yes! Clean food! Where did that even come from?

      Yes, we should reach our girls, but also our boys. They can fall victim to the same lies and myths.

      Reply
  4. Erica @Erica Finds says

    May 14, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    Totally agree with all of these and the comments! I am tired of being told that something is “Guilt free” and seeing influencers (and unfortunately friends) who are promoting “good” or “clean” foods. If I could go back and tell my younger self anything it’s that being comfortable in your body makes you sexy and desirable. And chronic dieting does just the opposite!

    I’ve been told that I’m “big for a runner.” I took it personally and dieted over and over to fit the image better. If I look back, I’ve always run better when I’m strong and well fueled. Hindsight is 20/20!
    Erica @Erica Finds recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things I’m Loving LatelyMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 2:31 pm

      Bingo! After years and years of eating disorders and dieting, it turns out that my body knows where it’s happiest. I can fight it, or I can live with it in that range and help it be strong and active.

      Reply
  5. Renée @runlaugheatpie says

    May 14, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    Best. Post. EVER!!! I’m actually now regularly responding to ads (I know it sets me up for more ads but then I can block hahaha) how I already have a summer body, it just happens to be my winter, spring and fall body as well. And that I already have a shape, a body shape. I don’t need to get “in shape” I’m already in a shape! guilt-free foods drive me insane as well. And don’t get me started on “cheat meals” – that implies that you are doing something wrong! Move your body. Eat the cake but the veggies too. Drink water. Get sleep. Have a cocktail. My goodness, life is too short for all of this other nonsense!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      Yup! My summer body is always ready. Because it’s always summer and I have a body.

      Reply
  6. Kimberly Hatting says

    May 14, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    ALL great points. I have to concur with all the “clean” food comments above. Honestly, I think the peeps who brag about their “clean” eating habits are trying to impress themselves more than the rest of us LOL

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 11:01 pm

      It’s very interesting to me to see how economics and class play into what we consider the norms of body types and food. It’s a tale as old as time.

      Reply
  7. Michelle D. says

    May 14, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    Thank you Jenn for this post! I so agree with your point and all of the other comments about “clean” foods – it makes me crazy … as Renee said, life is too short for all of that nonsense. And yes…just wear the damn suit! 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 10:57 pm

      <3 Just enjoy! Life is way too short.

      Reply
  8. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    May 14, 2021 at 8:09 pm

    Weight is something I have struggled with for most of my life.

    I did like one faddish diet, but then I found Weight Watchers. And I continued to work on the mental issues — just like running, that’s really the most important thing.

    I wasn’t genetically blessed like some, and being short can make a big difference too. So it will never be as easy for me.

    I can say for sure fad diets never work & it’s all about loving yourself.
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…5 Cs of Mental ToughnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 10:57 pm

      I struggled with eating disorders for over a decade. I finally reached a point where I am happy just being me. Height does play into it. I’m tall, so fluctuations are harder to detect on me. I think more people struggle than they will admit.

      Reply
  9. Wendy says

    May 14, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    I don’t own a scale. I’m just too compulsive and I know I’d obsess over the numbers. I go by how my clothes feel. Strength training made me weight more, too. I just don’t want to think about it.

    Thank you for this post.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 10:55 pm

      <3 Yup. There are so many layers to weight and size. A number on the scale does not give the whole picture.

      Reply
  10. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    May 14, 2021 at 11:57 pm

    These are great reminders. I really try to avoid labeling food as good or bad (or even healthy/unhealthy) since I believe they can all have a place in our diet. Life is too short to worry about what other people think or to try to live up to a certain standard!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 10:55 pm

      Life is too short is exactly right.

      Reply
  11. Zenaida Arroyo says

    May 16, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    Great post! I made the mistake in one post of talking about cheat meals and had to change it to indulgences. I no longer classify foods as either good, bad, clean, healthy, etc. Right now I eat what I want. I also believe in moderation. I love popcorn/chips with hot sauce but know that if I eat too much of it then the next day I am in the bathroom longer than normal. 🙂 I do have a friend that sometimes makes comments about my “unhealthy” options that I post on Facebook and I just ignore her. Remember my mashed potatoes and wine dinner? Haha!!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 16, 2021 at 10:54 pm

      I supported that mashed potatoes and wine dinner like you wouldn’t believe. It’s hard to change the mindset but food is food. There is no moral designation to it.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • how to choose great brand ambassadorships: running edition
  • a much more relaxed week
  • 5 sources of mental clutter
  • my spring race plans
  • a week of exploring new things

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Easy is nice, but nothing great ever happens insid Easy is nice, but nothing great ever happens inside the comfort zone.

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids 

 #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40#WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
Even though I got up late, the weather was still c Even though I got up late, the weather was still cool enough to make my 5 miler tolerable. 

We are supposed to see temps in the 90s this weekend and I am 100% not about it!

I won’t be racing this weekend: instead I’ve got some work, some volunteering, and another event on Sunday. Looking forward to all of it!

Are you running long or racing this weekend? Tell me about it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This Sunday, I hit up the #womenrunjacksonville ev This Sunday, I hit up the #womenrunjacksonville event at the @theglassfactory, presented by @yelpjacksonville and @market.and.mimosas!

Is it possible to be overwhelmed by so much amazing talent, creativity and awesome woman power? 

From the iconic “my phone eats first” tote to the gorgeous party wall lined with craft mimosas, to the silent disco headphones and all the vendors and food/drink samples! Swoon.

I shopped, ate, drank and chatted my way around the venue, and enjoyed every second of it. What a way to celebrate Women’s History Month, and all of the incredible female entrepreneurs, business owners and bosses in Jax and NE Florida!

Five stars. Would do again in a heartbeat!

#yougogirl #womenshistorymonth #girlpower #lovelocal #womanownedbusiness #smallbusiness #localbusiness #supportlocal #womenrunjax #yelpelite #yelpelitesquad #vendormarket #onlyinjax #thingstodojax #myphoneeatsfirst #firstcoastfavorites
35 minutes on the elliptical 👿 with a cool down 35 minutes on the elliptical 👿 with a cool down walk in the beautiful sunshine.

I am not a huge fan of gym equipment like the treadmill or the elliptical: I find it boring and often times awkward. That being said, I’m working through a training plan from @runsmartofficial and trusting the process.

Did you get your fitness inside or out today? How do you feel about the elliptical?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Knock knock! Rolling through another Wednesday of Knock knock!

Rolling through another Wednesday of miles! It was not a great run (i got something in my contact and had to go home to flush it out!) but the company stellar as usual (@montarriba) and future me will say thank you for sticking it out.

I’ve got a busy day with some writing, a few emails and a trip to @danielle904beauty so stay tuned for that glow up!

How is your Wednesday? How are you rolling?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Could they be any cuter? @lunanleonidas #pug #p Could they be any cuter?

@lunanleonidas 

#pug #pugpuppies
Let’s talk about balance. Balance is an area wh Let’s talk about balance.

Balance is an area where I sometimes struggle, physically and emotionally. It can be a challenge to fit in all the things I want and all the things I need. I don’t always love doing the mundane or tedious tasks that ultimately lead to the foundations of the things I am more passionate about.

I am taking a little more time to build on the basics, and find my balance. It’s going to lead to a healthier and happier me.

How do you find your balance? Do you struggle with the basics? 

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!