Diet culture is everywhere, especially this time of year.

We are bombarded with ads claiming the secret to weight loss, or meal planning guides to help lose that “holiday weight”. New Year’s resolutions are often focused on weight loss or appearance-based goals. There is a lot of talk about exercise and “eating right” or “eating clean”. There’s also pressure to “get healthy”. Diet culture can be hard to ignore. 

There are so many amazing things about the human body, and our weight is one of the least interesting. The focus on weight loss is rooted in ableism and white supremacy. Our culture teaches us at a young age that the ideal body is young, white, thin and non-disabled, which is a bunch of garbage. All bodies are unique, beautiful and worthy of love.

A lot of people focus on New Year’s Resolutions this time of year. Here are some ideas for non-diet related resolutions. Also, it is totally okay not to set New Year’s Resolutions.

• Learn a new skill or hobby you are interested in
• Set boundaries with your loved ones
• Eat foods that taste and feel good to you
• Catch up with old friends
• Read 
• Join a club or activity that you’ve always wanted to try
• Get involved in social justice
• Write more letters
• Share your journey with others
• Advocate for disability justice 
• Rest 
• Rest some more
• Support a friend who is struggling 
• Get to know a neighbor
• Try new restaurants
• Learn a new language
• Find beauty in small things
• Embrace the fullness of life- both grief and joy
• Join a dating website
• Get a pet

Focusing on weight is a distraction from addressing actual, holistic health.

It keeps people feeling worried and bad about themselves so they buy things to feel better. It is a way for people to judge themselves and others. It can take the joy out of doing things we love, such as eating, enjoying a meal with friends, trying new foods, eating dessert or just existing in a way that feels good to you. All bodies are good bodies. Do what feels good for you.