It’s ok to be on a diet

I can’t believe that I am writing an article called ‘It’s ok to be on a diet’. After having some backlash in my DM’s telling me it is not a good idea to promote my weight loss, I felt compelled to reply. Being told I’m a trigger, and that I should be a positive body advocate is hurtful. I am not restricting calories, cutting out vital nutrients and encouraging people to damage their bodies – I am helping mine to become more powerful. I just wanted to share the joy I have got from my achievements.

I am body positive

All of my adult life I’ve been the tall girl, the curvy girl and the chubby girl. I’ve always been bigger. I have never been able to share clothes with my girlfriends. Unfortunately, I can’t always go to the popular high street shops and shopping sustainably when plus size is inadequate.

My size has never stopped me from doing what I want to do. I know how to dress for my body shape. It hasn’t blocked me from getting job interviews, getting (the right) boyfriend or going on that night out. It also hasn’t stopped me showing off full-length images on Instagram, or pictures of me in my bikini on the blog.

I do feel uncomfortable at times. My weight has stopped me wearing the outfit that I envisioned, and I have never worn a figure-hugging dress. The last time I went on a plane, I did struggle to do up the seatbelt. I was mortified, and there was no way I was going to ask for an extender. It was one of the prompts that made me make some changes.

Yes, I’m on a diet

I’m on a diet. There, I said it. However, I prefer to see it as changing the way I eat. Even before lockdown, I have been cooking from scratch. I know exactly what is in my food, and these meals include fresh ingredients and lots of flavour. Eating 3 meals a day, that are nutritiously balanced and I have been upping my exercise. I eat a lot of vegetables, salad and some fruit, alongside meats and fish, as well as rice, pasta and grains.

I have chosen to follow Slimming World, as it suits my needs. It also keeps me accountable. Without the weekly weigh-in to keep me in check, I might have a few too many treats or over-eat at a meal or two. There are some weeks that I stay the same weight, or I put a few pounds back on. I’m ok with that.

Many who follow Slimming World look for tweaks or processed ingredients to use instead of the ‘fatty’ versions, I don’t. We all know butter is better for you than margarine, and sugar is better for you than sweetener – as your body recognises it, and knows how to process it. It’s all about moderation.

I don’t hate my body

I love the concept of body positivity. It’s fantastic that our culture is becoming more inclusive. I feel amazing. I have attempted ill-fated diets throughout my adult life, but my mindset and approach were utterly wrong. This time it feels right.

So far I have lost 1 stone 9.5 lbs at the time of writing this. It is a long time since I have lost this amount of weight, regardless of what tactics I have tried. I have another 5 stone to lose. I don’t know if I’ll manage it, or if I’ll get close – but I’m motivated.

It’s ok to be on a diet

My body and mind feel strong. I have fewer aches and pains, and I find simple movements so much easier. I wake up energised, and I am enthusiastic about going on that walk, jumping on my bike and doing a few miles or do an online exercise tutorial.

More importantly, I love the food that I am making. I look forward to mealtimes, and the 30 minutes or so beforehand to cook it. The key to my success so far is planning the week ahead. I spend a good hour a week looking up recipes or creating my own.

I’m not perfect. I still drink too much at times, have a no stop filter when it comes to crisps and dip, as well as sweets, chocolate and cakes. I don’t restrict myself, but it is ok for me to be on a diet.

Have you ever been fat-shamed or ridiculed for changing the way you eat?

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