New Year, More Self-Love: The Truth Behind Diet Culture

January can be a tough time of year, especially for those of us learning to love our bodies as they are. My feed is already overflowing with “lose weight fast” content, and I’m sure yours might be too.

Let’s be clear—there’s nothing wrong with wanting to shrink your body, but it becomes a problem when your inherent value is tied to a number on the scale. 

I still remember my first diet. I was 14, and looking back, I was perfectly fine just as I was. But it was the early 2000s, and the pressure to be as thin as possible was everywhere. To make matters worse, I was modeling behavior I saw at home. My mom, would often remind me I was “skinny everywhere except my belly.” That stuck with me. 

Since then, I’ve been on and off diets my entire adult life. I’ve lost weight. I’ve gained weight. But nothing ever stuck. 

Here’s the truth, the diet industry is a billion-dollar machine for a reason. It thrives on convincing us we’re not enough as we are—that happiness, confidence, and self-worth can only be achieved through shrinking ourselves into a mold that may not even be right for us. 

But here’s the plot twist: I’m the happiest I’ve ever been now, at my heaviest. I’m also the healthiest and most active I’ve ever been. It’s all about perspective. 

The truth is, losing weight won’t make you love yourself. Self-love starts on the inside, not on the scale. 

So, as we head into another New Year, here are some tips to help you avoid the negativity of the diet industry and embrace your body, just as it is:

 1️⃣ Curate Your Feed

Your social media is your space—take control of it. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself and follow people who promote body positivity, self-love, and realistic wellness practices. Your feed should inspire you, not shame you.  

 2️⃣ Focus on How You Feel

Instead of obsessing over a number on the scale, tune into how your body feels. Are you feeling strong? Energized? At peace? Focus on movement and habits that make you feel good from the inside out.

3️⃣ Question the Messages You’re Internalizing 

The next time you see an ad or post promoting a quick-fix diet or weight-loss plan, ask yourself: Who profits from this? Does this align with my values? Does this make me feel empowered or insecure? Recognizing the motives behind these messages can help you avoid falling into their trap.

4️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion  

Be kind to yourself. Some days, loving your body might feel easier than others, and that’s okay. Treat yourself with the same care and kindness you would offer a friend.

5️⃣ Celebrate Non-Scale Wins 

Shift your focus to the amazing things your body can do. Did you crush a yoga pose you’ve been working on? Get through a tough day with grace? Show up for yourself in any small way? These wins are worth celebrating!  

Let’s redefine what health and happiness looks like.

Loving yourself isn’t about perfection; it’s about acceptance. This New Year, instead of giving power to the toxic pressures of diet culture, let’s embrace the messy, beautiful process of learning to love ourselves as we are. 

Because the truth is, you are already enough!

Kristina