Embracing a New Year: Reframing Resolutions and Healing Without Diet Culture
As the new year approaches, many of us are bombarded with messages of transformation – advertisements promising the perfect body, the best version of ourselves, and a life of “health” that often revolves around restrictive diets and quick fixes. But what if the “new you” isn’t about changing your body, but rather healing you relationship with it? As a dietitian who practices from a weight-inclusive perspective, I want to invite you to consider a different way of approaching resolutions: one that is rooted in self-acceptance, compassion, and the rejection of diet culture.
I’ve learned that the most powerful shifts in my life didn’t come from chasing a smaller body or the latest fad diet. Instead, they began when I started questioning what health really means to me and why our culture often ties it to weight. The more I spend in weight-inclusive healthcare, the more I realize that my access to education is a privilege – and it’s often those who have lived through the struggles I have who can teach me the most. We don’t always need the most educated person to guide us; sometimes, it’s the ones who share our lived experiences that provide the most meaningful support.
My Journey to Weight-Inclusive Care
I didn’t always understand the harm of dieting or the impact of weight stigma. Growing up in a thin body, I didn’t’t have the language to articulate my struggles with food and body image. It wasn’t until I entered graduate school that I realized I had an eating disorder – but even then, as a non-fat person, I wasn’t given the proper treatment despite clear signs of distress. This experience has shaped how I approach my practice today.
As a mid-size, neurodivergent, and queer dietitian, I recognize the privileges I hold and the challenges that come with living in a body that doesn’t always fit the narrow standards of beauty or health. My identity allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level, especially around body image and queerness. I know what it feels like to struggle with self-esteem, but I also know what it means to find healing and acceptance.
Health at Every Size® (HAES® ) and My Philosophy of Care
My work is rooted in the Health at Every Size® (HAES®) framework, which emphasizes the importance of health-promoting behaviours rather than weight loss. As a practitioner, I focus on supporting clients in navigating a healthcare system that often dismisses their needs, especially those of marginalized identities. In my practice, I don’t just look at the numbers on a scale – I see each person as a whole, unique individual with a body story that deserves to be heard.
Body image is a crucial part of my work. I don’t just help clients with their nutrition; I help them reconnect with their bodies and their worth. We work on reframing self-talk, letting go of judgement, and creating a healthier relationship with food. Through body image work, we can begin to heal from the shame and guilt that often accompany food and health struggles.
I also lead a team of dietitians who share this philosophy. Through monthly supervision sessions, we collaborate on client cases, explore different ways to approach care, and continue learning about how to best serve those navigating chronic conditions and eating disorders from a weight-inclusive perspective.
Accessibility & Flexibility
As someone who values inclusivity, I believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone. That’s why all of our individual and group sessions are virtual, allowing clients to turn off their cameras or adjust the session to their comfort level. We also ensure that our in-person events are ADA accessible, and we offer virtual options so everyone can participate. I want every client to feel seen, heard, and supported – no matter where they are on their journey.
What Makes Me an Expert on New Year's Resolutions?
You might be wondering, “What makes you the expert on New Year’s resolutions?” Well, here’s a fun fact: my birthday is New Year’s Eve, so I’ve spent every year of my conscious life setting very high expectations and starting the new year feeling disappointed because I didn’t end the year the way I envisioned. It’s taken me almost 32 years (almost!) to become the expert I am today – at least, I think I am – on how to set myself up for a smooth transition without that letdown, while still preparing myself for the most successful healthful year yet.
I’ve learned that resolutions don’t have to be about dramatic changes or self-criticism. Instead, they can be about setting realistic, compassionate goals that honour where we are right now. No more punishing ourselves with impossible expectations; it’s about progress, not perfection. My journey of reframing my own resolutions has helped me support my clients through similar processes, allowing them to embrace their bodies and their health on their terms, without the pressures of diet culture or self-judgement.
Moving Forward: What's Next?
This year, I’m committed to continuing the work of redefining health and supporting others in doing the same. I’ll be sharing more of my personal journey and insights on this blog, with the hope that it resonates with you. Together, we can create a space where every body belongs, and where health is about more than the size of our jeans or the number on the scale. It’s about healing, connection, and embracing who we are – just as we are.
As we enter the new year, let’s focus not on the “new you” based on a number or a diet, but on the you that has always been worthy of love and respect. Let’s make this year one of healing, body acceptance, and stepping away from the harmful narratives that diet culture pushes onto us.
This blog post was written by Emily, a mid-size, neurodivergent, and queer dietitian and founder of Food Ease Nutrition Counseling. She practices from a Health at Every Size® (HAES® ) perspective, creating a space for clients to heal their relationships with food and their bodies.
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