When I first decided that I was done dieting, it was like being on a roller coaster. A bad day, specifically a bad body image day, could trip me up. I’d start googling diets or eating plans…searching for the solution to my “problem.” But the solution was always – don’t diet again.
You see, when I finally internalized the REAL issue, things got a lot easier. The issue was the diet itself. (And by diet, I mean any way that I was restricting or controlling my eating) I knew this in my head, but my heart took longer.
Letting go of the diet mentality is not like turning on a light switch. It’s more like a dimmer switch. The light would get dimmer, sometimes a little brighter when I was feeling strong, and then a little dimmer, when I would diet culture seep back in.
Even today, years into my journey, I have my moments. The difference is now, I have moments, instead of days or weekends of doubting and contemplating a new diet protocol. Most of the time I’m in the light of loving and accepting who I am… of loving and accepting my body RIGHT NOW. I’m living in the light of really listening to my body and honoring it.
Being in the light is awesome and a little alarming at times. Seeing everything so clearly can be hard at times. Sometimes the dim light is more comfortable. But I remind myself that this isn’t hard. This is new. And discomfort with new things is completely normal. I can be uncomfortable because I am moving towards what I value. I am moving towards the ME I want to be.
This is what I coach my clients towards. It’s rewarding and challenging. It is not an easy road. They are not DONE when they finish sessions with me. But they walk away with tools to manage the thoughts that creep in, and sit in the light more comfortably each day.
They realize that they are SO MUCH STRONGER than the diet culture that they felt weighed down by in the past. I love being a small part in helping them discover that strength.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brooke Spendlove
I’m a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and the owner and creator of Spendlove Coaching.
My own wellness journey led me to getting my Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness Coaching from Creighton University – Go Blujays!
I help my clients discover that they are the experts of themselves. Using the tools learned inside my program and during coaching sessions, clients learn how to shift their mindset, taking back the power they have lost to dieting and diet culture
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