It’s January — time for ads about new weight loss programs and products. We even have the release of a new TV show — My Diet is Better Than Yours!
Government Releases the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
These guidelines are the result of a large body of evidence which shows that healthy eating patterns and regular physical activity can help people achieve and maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease throughout all stages of the lifespan. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reflects this evidence. See graphic below:
Having provided nutrition counseling for well over three decades, I have seen firsthand the damage caused by fad diets and the dieting mentality. Why do we need to wear “skinny jeans and drink “skinny lattes?” Skinny does not always equal healthy and fit — heavier bodies can in fact be strong and healthy.
We need instead to focus on our HEALTH. A healthy body can exist in many shapes and sizes. The Health at Any Size movement is not new. The goal is to help chronic dieters reshape their thinking, shed unhealthy habits, adopt new patterns of eating, become more physically active, and increase self-esteem.
As clinicians, we need to help our clients lose the guilt that results from obsessing about the numbers on the scale. Instead, we need to teach them (and ourselves) to eat according to hunger and fullness cues from our own bodies. We need to exercise for sheer joy in moving, not to “burn” calories.
My resolution for the New Year has NOTHING to do with food, diets, or weight. It is about self-care – getting extra sleep, and connecting with friends and family more often! What is yours?
Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!
References:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov
http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/
http://www.lindabacon.org/haesbook/
Feature photo via source.
Erica Leon is a Registered Dietitian and practices from a Health at Every Size (HAES®) lens. She is certified as an eating disorder specialist and is passionate about helping women at midlife, menopause and beyond to make peace with food and body image.
Erica is a highly sensitive nutrition therapist who takes the time to learn where you or your family are in the pursuit of health. Respectful of your individual needs and lifestyle, she will provide an honest assessment of whether or not you are a good fit to work together. Click here to schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call with Erica to let us know about your needs, and to see which of our Dietitians is the best fit for you!
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