Making Peace with My Plate: Why Diets Aren’t Always the Answer

For as long as I can remember, I've been on a diet. From fad fads to calorie counting, I've tried it all. Looking back, it feels like a constant battle with my body, a relentless pursuit of some unachievable ideal. But this year, something shifted. I finally stopped fighting and started to listen.

Diets, I've come to realize, promise a quick fix to a complex issue, but they rarely deliver unless you are willing to make huge sacrifices. They demonize certain foods and create a restrictive mentality that leaves you feeling deprived and frankly, resentful. The cycle of restriction, followed by cravings and then "falling off the wagon," becomes exhausting. For me, it wasn't just about the weight; it was about the constant internal struggle.

What I've discovered instead is that a healthy relationship with food isn't about punishment or deprivation. It's about nourishment, about honoring my body's natural cues. It's about listening to when I'm hungry and respecting when I'm full. It's about giving myself permission to enjoy all foods, in moderation. But I couldn’t get there on my own.

I started using Semaglutide six months before writing this post. I’ve lost 33 pounds since. For me, it was a life changer.

Taking weight loss medication isn't about giving up on being healthy. It's about finding a sustainable approach that fits into my life, not against it. I didn’t stop eating. The medication helps me curb the hunger, but I support it by choosing mostly foods that are good for me and have a lot of protein.I prioritize whole foods that make me feel good, but I don't shy away from the occasional treat now that I can do it guilt free..

This journey of self-acceptance hasn't been easy. There are still days when the diet gremlins whisper in my ear. But now, I have the tools to challenge those thoughts. I remind myself that true health isn't just about a number on the scale; it's about feeling good in my own skin, both physically and mentally.

If you're struggling with yo-yo diets or a strained relationship with food, I urge you to consider a different path. It takes time and self-compassion, but building a peaceful relationship with food is so much more rewarding than the temporary wins and inevitable losses of dieting. You are worthy of feeling good, just as you are.