How to ditch diet resolutions for good

There’s an alternative to restrictive eating plans and unrealistic exercise goals. This Hollywood star is leading the movement to change the way we look at ourselves, writes Merissa Forsyth.

The end of year celebrations can be a difficult time to remain body positive, particularly with the thought of wearing swimwear during the warmer weather and more indulgent festive foods consumed, coupled with the pressures to diet or exercise in the lead up to this period — all to achieve a certain look.

But rather than looking into restrictive diets for the new year, it’s important to try to focus on your wellbeing and feeling confident in the body you have, as well as having some supportive ways of coping.

Here are some body image tips for this time of year.

Make healthy resolutions. When thinking about the year to come and what you want to get out of it, focus on setting helpful and realistic goals that have nothing to do with your weight or appearance. It may be that you want to start a new hobby, move up in your career or learn how to meditate. And if it is about exercise, make it about your health rather than weight loss.

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Social media is filled with images of picture-perfect bodies, but there are measures we can take to reduce their negative impact on body image. Picture: Instagram

Replace negative talk. One thing we all often do is talk about how guilty we feel for overindulging during the Christmas and New Year period. Instead of feeling or stating this, try to avoid labelling foods as good or bad for you, and try to enjoy the special foods that are consumed at this time of year. And try to be a good role model for the kids in your life and be mindful of the language you use around children about food and body. Aim to think about how lucky you are to be spending the holidays with the people you love over some delicious food. Not everyone gets this opportunity, so practising gratitude is a great way to negate negative thoughts.

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Focus on spending time with your friends and family. The best thing about the festive season is seeing your friends and family that you may not get to see a lot during the year. Spend your energy on enjoying this time with the ones you love, and planning fun activities that will create memories for years to come.

Give back to others. This time of year is the perfect time to find charities that align with your values and finding out how you can help them. Not only is this gratifying, but it also shows who you are and highlights what you are really capable of.

The Good Place star Jameela Jamil has become an activist to promote different ways of evaluating ourselves. Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty

Think about what you really weigh. Actress and activist Jameela Jamil has started an incredible movement on social media called “I Weigh” where people from around the world send in images of their inner qualities and the parts of their life that equate to who they are as a person. So instead of thinking you weigh the number you see on the scale, make note of what you really weigh, like your incredible sense of humour, the love of your children or your ability to cheer people up.

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This time of year is filled with joy, love and family, and with these guidelines, you will have the opportunity to make the most out of the holidays. And if you still feel particularly sensitive about your body, food, or general well being during this time of year, please contact a health professional, your GP or contact a support line such as the Butterfly Foundation to help put together a suitable strategy tailored for you.

Merissa Forsyth is the founder of Pretty Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation focused on building body resilience in girls aged 2-6.

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, you can call the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (ED HOPE) or email: [e-mail].

Originally published as How to ditch diet resolutions for good