Diet Culture - Let's Rid Of It!

"Because Losing Weight Is Not Your Life's Purpose."

So what is it really?

"Worshiping thinness and equating it to health" - is how one dietitian describes it.

Some people choose not to eat for a variety of reasons: either they are trying to lose weight, they are under they impression that they're not thin enough, or they think that maybe skipping this meal is alright since they can now eat a heavy dinner later.

I'm here to tell you that that is the most dangerous list of reasons to fixate your belief on for not eating enough.

Under-eating regularly can lead to mental, physical, emotional and health issues. How to spot if you're not eating enough? Pay attention to these signs:

1. Low Energy Levels - Since you're avoiding calories, you're more than likely not taking in enough calories to support your basic functions or your daily activities which will lead to fatigue.

2. Hair Loss - Losing strands of hair is normal per day, but not in excessive amounts. This can be a sign that you're skipping out on nutrients needed to maintain normal, healthy hair growth.

3. Constant Hunger - "Studies confirm that food cravings increase in response to drastic calorie restriction due to changes in hormones that control hunger and fullness.

4. Sleep Deprivation - Feeling as though you are too hungry to fall asleep or waking up hungry are signs that you're not eating enough. Under-eating has been linked to poor quality sleep.

5. Irritability - What you eat not only affects your mood but we all know that 'hangry' sense of emotion when we desperately need to be fed. Irritability is simply a long term effect of restricting your food intake.

6. Feeling Constantly Cold - It's not rocket science, you need calories and fat to stay warm. Fat is NOT a bad thing in the necessary amounts. Only when fat becomes excessive then you become over-weight and obese. Your goal should not be to rid of all your fat unless you're a body-builder.

7. Constipation - You're skipping out on fiber and you're consuming less food which means less activity in this department.

How Can You Fight This For Your Own Benefit?

I know most of us are already falling prey to staying hungry though we really want an evening snack or even missing breakfast in hopes that a Ceasar Salad does the trick at lunch and tea for dinner. 

Honestly, ask yourself what nutritional benefits are you reaping from this lifestyle?You're pushing your mind and body to function throughout the day at work and school but you're not feeding it anything to help it keep on going. What's the expected outcome?

Trust me when I say I understand how hectic days can get and you're probably going to tell me it's not important to eat healthy if you can't find time to go to the gym anyway or you're too busy to pack anything that requires effort - I get it - but I beg of you to rid of this mindset and get ready for a new journey. 

Let's start small, SNACKS:

1. Fruits - What better way to start your day with natural sugars? Keep a banana or apple handy for a quick snack and/or incorporate it into your breakfast as well.

2. Granola - You can make this at home or buy it in Starlite or the grocery. Definite source of fiber and protein and again, adds to a fulfilling breakfast. 

3. Hummus - Seriously, best made on your weekend and tucked into the fridge or purchase it but some of this with some crackers, Crix,celery sticks or carrots makes an amazing quick evening snack at your desk or on the go.

4. Celery & Peanut Butter or Celery and Cream Cheese - Thank me later.

5. Nuts - Peanuts, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds just keep small packs in your work bag and enjoy easily.

6. Crix/Crackers with Tuna - No I'm not asking you to walk with lime and seasoning to your office, thankfully tuna comes prepackaged and ready to eat. Stock up on these in your drawer!

7. Gymaholic?- Keep your protein powder handy in little storage containers and mix a shake on thejob or on the go!

8. Smoothie - Make the night before, store, then grab and go. Snack or breakfast.

Moving On To The Bigger Meals:

1. This item is more of advice than a meal idea - Completely and totally STOP with the sugary drinks if you're thriving off of this only and drink more water. Don't take my word for it, research the effects of water on your brain in comparison to that of sugar water.

2. Throw that salad into the bin, you're really only fooling and hurting yourself. While it's important to eat healthy, I can guarantee you that only having some lettuce and tomatoes with a slice of cheese is not providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Understand that your body requires small portions of healthy fats and calories to give you your best performance and this is what you should be consuming. Throughout the blog I have a lot of meal ideas to help you stay healthy without being hungry. 

3. Ditch the quick carbs - aka rice, bread, anything with flour is the devil yes - doesn't mean you can't enjoy it but know that your body processes these carbohydrates quickly and as a result you tend to get hungrier faster. Switch them out for longer lasting carbohydrates that you get from provision (sweet potato, cassava, dasheen) or quinoa. Living in the Caribbean is ideal as our access to provision is vast. Don't worry, I'll help you with a few upcoming recipes. 

4. Looking for Protein - Chicken Breast, Tuna and Salmon. There's nothing better than those options to help you eat healthy. 

5. Always pair your meal with at least one vegetable - Broccoli for instance? Sprinkle some salt,black pepper and a touch of Parmesan cheese for taste and enjoy.

6. Steel Oats for breakfast paired with a fruit is a real life saver. 

7. Yogurt for breakfast with fruits or Granola - Substantial amount of protein as well in there with enough healthy bacteria to ease constipation and maintain a healthy dietary tract. I do have a recipe posted for this if you're interested.

Now you're probably thinking "How do I know what to put together as a meal or how to remember to prep?" On my blog if you go the page that says "Blog" I have a variety of tabs available on advice, breakfast or main course, smoothies, tea and the list goes on to help you decide on recipes and ideas! 

I will be posting more recipes to help you end this diet culture while remaining fit and healthy as I am also on this journey myself.I do hope this post has inspired you to change your lifestyle if you are struggling with this "DIET" concept that has been forced onto us. If you liked this post, be sure to subscribe for more :) 

If you try any recipes, please leave your feedback in the comments or on Instagram! You can find me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook (@Indecisive.Foodie - IG)

Looking forward to your feedback!

Peace & Love

Shiz