Diet Culture and Health Fads Over Time...And Our Takeaways
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Diet Culture
The phrase “Diet Culture” is thrown around often, and it’s a rather self explanatory term, yet some may be confused by what this means. According to erdpro.com, diet culture is the “belief system that focuses on or values weight, shape, or size over wellbeing.” It is no secret that diet culture is, at its core, extremely toxic; when the media we consume consistently reinforces the mentality that we need to be thin, or have a certain body shape to be seen as beautiful, we can ourselves adopt this mentality. While these beauty standards have changed drastically throughout time, the pressure to achieve the “ideal” body (whatever that may be) has remained constant.
Fad diets are a part of diet culture that have been present throughout the years. With so much conflicting information and supposed “benefits,” the following diets have all had their heyday over time. We did the research, and here are some of the most popular diets over the years and our thoughts on them!
Keto: This diet has gained some mainstream popularity in recent years. Basically, this diet is a high fat, high protein plan that limits carbs to a minimal amount. Proponents of this diet boast weight loss, and claim that it’s great for regulating blood sugar. Some obvious cons include the “keto flu” that some dieters experience, with side effects including lethargy and weakness. This diet can be dangerous as it puts your body in a state of ketosis- before starting, it is important to talk with a doctor or dietician to make sure you are following it safely.
Atkins Diet: Developed in the 1960’s, the Atkins diet has had resurgences in popularity through the years. This is another low carb plan that emphasizes higher fat intake, although guidelines have evolved over time. Now, the diet recognizes the benefit of vegetables (especially high in fiber) and followers do not need to count calories, although the guidelines of the diet require you to track your carb intake. There are four “phases” of the diet that vary in restrictions.
Master Cleanse: An ultra restrictive diet, this plan has been lauded by celebs like Beyoncé for quick weight loss. Diets like this aren't safe (IMO) but are especially risky for any longer than the recommended three days. This diet consists of a lemon juice, water, cayenne and maple syrup mixture and is designed to “cleanse” your body. The master cleanse had a heyday in the early aughts, with a peak in Google searches happening right around 2012.
Intuitive eating: The whole premise of this plan is that you aren't following it to lose (or gain) weight. It is simply following hunger cues and listening to your body for optimal health (and an improved relationship with food). With intuitive eating, pretty much everything is okay in moderation and balance. While this may not lead to weight loss, it can help you to fuel your body with nutrients, enjoy treats every now and then, and create a healthy mindset when it comes to diet. Many individuals in recovery from eating disorders or disordered eating find this to be a helpful tool when addressing mealtimes.
Our Take
Many of these diets vilify whole food groups (like carbs) and typify them as “bad.” Obviously, refined carbohydrates aren’t the healthiest component of any diet, but I believe that whole grains are an important part of any diet.
In this new era of body positivity and inclusivity, we are happy to see a wide range of body types and sizes on social media, in magazines, and in other forms of media and pop culture. That being said, there is still a long way to go when it comes to visibility and normalizing real bodies. The idea of intuitive eating is one of the healthier and more positive “diet” plans you can follow. When choosing what to eat, it’s important to make choices that will nourish and fuel your body, but won’t feel too restrictive or damaging to your mental health.
Disclaimer:
Please do not take this article as a substitute for medical advice; consult a doctor before implementing any of these diets. In general, when deciding what diet or nutritional plan is best for you, it’s important to make informed decisions and consult with your doctor or a Registered Dietician before making any drastic changes!