Tips for Dodging Advertised New Year Fad Diets
The New Year brings about many challenges, particularly for those struggling with their relationship with food and body. One of the many challenges is the inevitable bombardment of ads filled with promises on how to start the new year off “right” by going on a “diet.” The multi-billion dollar diet industry has a lot to gain ($$) by slamming you with advertisements for “quick fixes.”
By: Julia Klosk
If you need help dodging these New Year fad diets, find some simple and implementable tips below:
Actively Manage Your Social Media Feed
Like so many of us, you probably spend more time scrolling social media than you would like to admit. Opening up Instagram or TikTok may fill time when you feel anxious, are waiting for transportation, or are bored at home. Social media is not all bad - it can facilitate connection or help you find your next favorite vacation spot, among many other perks. However, when using social media, you must be mindful of who you give your time to because you also give your power to them. To help dodge the fad diets this holiday season, take an active approach to who you see on your feed. There is nothing wrong with unfollowing an influencer, friend, or acquaintance, that you know tends to speak about changing their body through diet or exercise, particularly at the beginning of the New Year. Know that very often, these influencers are paid by diet-industry members to promote their products and that you have the power to avoid these messages this holiday season by simply muting them.
Also, check out this post on BALANCE’s Instagram to help filter out weight loss ads on your Instagram feed! You deserve to have social media feeds that uplift you.
Traveling? Ditch the Magazines
Millions of people travel over New Year’s to celebrate with family and friends or escape the cold. Traveling often involves spending time (sometimes too much time as everything seems to be delayed these days!?) in airports, train, or bus stations. Lots of waiting around may lead you to seek entertainment. Convenience stores seem to be stationed everywhere, and their stands are monopolized by tabloids and magazines. These magazines are notorious for featuring fad diets and images that do not promote positive body image. Instead of giving your hard-earned money to the media companies that promote these harmful messages, come prepared with entertainment. For example, you can download shows or podcasts that make you feel good. Perhaps a kindle or old-school paperback book can make its way into your bag. Consider bringing a coloring book or journal to write about your feelings. Choose entertainment that supports your recovery instead of jeopardizing it.
Turn Down the Volume
If you enjoy winding down by watching several episodes of your favorite show on Netflix, Hulu, a streaming service, or even network T.V., you have likely noticed the frequent disruptions by way of advertisements. While these ads need to run, feel free to reduce the volume when they play. You can turn down the volume on your remote or put in headphones to listen to your favorite song while the advertisements run. Just because an ad plays doesn’t mean you must give it your attention.
Take back your power this holiday season by doing your best to dodge “fad diet” advertisements. If you still find yourself bombarded with harmful “New Year's Resolution diet” messaging, practice self-compassion and consider reaching out for support.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. Our 12-day winter intensive program can help you jump-start your recovery in 2023. Connect with our admissions team and learn more about our 12-day winter intensive program here.
This post was written by BALANCE Dietetic Intern, Julia Klosk (she/her).
Julia Klosk is a Dietetic Intern at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center. She is currently in her second year of the integrated M.S.- RDN
program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Before that, she graduated with a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and worked in financial services for six years. Julia is interested in the intersection of psychology and nutrition and is passionate about helping others heal their relationship with food and in turn, enhance their overall well-being. In her spare time, Julia loves listening to podcasts while taking long walks, reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.