Instead of promoting restrictive eating and weight-loss, the anti-diet philosophy embraces intuitive eating and body positivity.

Listen to your body

Rather than following strict rules about what, when and how much to eat, tune into your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Intuitive eating means eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full. Mikaela Jahrig, Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network dietitian recommends making peace with your food and rediscovering the enjoyment of eating.

Find balance

Eat food that tastes good and makes you feel healthy and nourished.

“Your long-term health will not be impacted by one meal or snack. Focus on a variety and balance of food over the course of your day,” says Jahrig.

Ditch the scale

Recognize a healthy body comes in different shapes and sizes. Instead of fixating on the scale, appreciate your body as it is and focus on your abilities. Embrace your overall wellness – both mental and physical health – instead of narrowing your focus on weight.

Healthier social media

Social media can be used to share unhealthy diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards. Try to curate a social media space with accounts that promote body diversity, healthy recipes and self-acceptance.

Exercise for longevity

Instead of focusing on exercise to lose weight, shift your focus to exercising to feel strong and energized. Incorporating movement you enjoy into your daily life can have long-term health benefits.

Access support

Primary Care Networks offer a variety of support including free workshops to support a healthy lifestyle. Visit www.albertapcns.ca for more information.