Diet culture can be described as the prioritization of thinness over health.
It has influenced adolescents, harming self esteem, our cognitive food patterns, and our real well being. It has existed for decades, re-inventing itself to appeal to impressionable generations that come along.
Once I reached middle school I became aware of my own insecurities and slowly started feeling anxious about food. Eventually I reached high school and society’s influence on me continued as I was caught deep in an eating disorder during a vulnerable and lonely time. Although not all of us have eating disorders, it commonly feels as though once one hits a certain age food seems black and white, health feels like it’s all or nothing, and your body feels like a sculpture to perfect.
For years we have been fed the stigmatization of certain foods and a tiresome outlook on exercise.
Social media is a large diet culture promoter, spreading an overwhelming amount of un-studied health advice, workout routines, and body ideals. I can often hear my friends ridiculing their bodies after consuming social media. The American media has sustained these toxic messages, harming our lives and marketing it as something positive.
A lot of people may not understand the serious damage an extreme diet mentality can impose.
Speaking from experience, the diet mentality can be overwhelming and once I started restricting food it resulted in intense cravings for “bad” foods, leading to immense guilt when I truly ate them. My mindset also led to over exercising, turning it into a punishment rather than something enjoyable and stimulating. This pattern led to health risks such as a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and even extreme heart problems. Some people may believe eating disorders are only phases, while in reality they are mental illnesses and those battling them don’t choose to actively struggle. Eating disorders have extremely high mortality rates and should be taken seriously.
In a world of overwhelming pressure to live up to society’s body and “health” standards it may seem confusing on how to take care of yourself. Luckily, it is a lot less complex than you may think.
Getting professional help and listening to your own body is key. Finding food freedom within the trapped cage of my own anxieties was one of the hardest things I have done.
Slowly and with guidance I have learned how to intuitively eat. Intuitive eating is the mindset of fueling your body with a balance of foods while still recognizing what you enjoy eating. Having plates full of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and veggies is very important whether the plate includes a pizza or a salad; neither one should be deemed as good or bad. I can listen to my hunger cues to eat and finish when I am satisfied.
Another factor I have had to heal is my relationship with exercise.
Before, it felt dehumanizing and tiring, now I enjoy sports like lacrosse and flag football because I can have fun while releasing endorphins, moving my body, and socializing with my friends. Movement is meant to be enjoyed; I now focus on feeling good rather than “looking good”.
I was lucky enough to have been given resources to heal, but not everyone has easy access to support. Unfortunately, many adolescents today are vulnerable to diet culture and are struggling.
We must do something as a society to educate others and promote health and body acceptance to save the kids of the future and teens today.
Editor’s note: This is a monthly opinion piece featuring takes in and out of the classroom from students at our area high schools. This month’s piece was written by Grossmont High School student Briana Samano. Top photo by Pixabay.com.
