Diet.
What does that word even really mean?
Well if you ask a medical professional, they will tell you
the noun definition of the word. They will tell you a diet is a way that a
person habitually eats or that it is a way of eating that is prescribed for
optimal health. It usually has a ‘should’ attached to it.
“Your diet should include lots of fruits and
vegetables.”
If you ask a person considering bariatric surgery what the
word means, they will tell use the word in its verb definition. It is spoken of
as if it was a light switch that can be turned on and then off.
“I’ve been dieting
since I was in high school but I just
can’t stick with it.”
To a person who has struggled with their weight for years,
dieting is seen as a negative thing; a thing that restricted them from eating
their favorite foods and something that they have failed at again and again.
Whether you are a medical professional or someone who is
working toward reaching your weight & health goals – its due time to ditch
the word “diet” altogether!
When describing a way that a person eats or a prescriptive
way of eating, the phrase meal plan
does the job very well without all the emotional baggage tied to it.
“Following this meal plan will support your health.”
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| Challenge yourself to see the beauty of your food, seek out colors & variety, and identify the reasons why you choose to eat healthy. |
When describing our own ways of eating, it may be more
helpful to describe your choice in the process of deciding what foods you eat
and ditch the language of restriction and deprivation.
“I’m choosing to eat more vegetables and
lean proteins for my health.”
Language describes the way we see the world and can impact
our psychological wellbeing. Rather than using words that carry emotional
baggage, change your language to positive or neutral terms that can motivate
you to pick to your health goals rather than get in your way.
Wishing you a nutritious day!
Anna Macnak, RDN, LD
Bariatric Program Nutritionist
Bariatric Program Nutritionist
