Calling Out Diet Culture Pt. 3
Updated: Apr 14, 2022
So far in this series, we have identified the problematic nature of dieting in general terms, as well as dismantling why Noom, Keto and WW are so damaging to our overall health. If you missed them, check out Pt. 1 and 2.
Next up is an industry favourite: counting macros.
Counting macros require dieters to calculate a set number of macronutrients and track these by monitoring food intake by counting and weighing everything before it is consumed.
Restricting portions and macronutrients is still food restriction.
Counting macros relies on maintaining a calorie deficit. Many reports highlight feelings of guilt and shame associated with not tracking or hitting the desired numbers. Counting macros encourages dieters to adopt an eating behaviour termed “cheat meals” which encourages moralising different foods and villainising carbs and sweets. Moderation mindset (especially with a moralising standpoint, is still a restriction).
Counting, weighing, tracking, measuring is high risk disordered eating behaviours.
Counting, weighing and calculating macros can lead to orthorexia, fixation, obsession, disconnection from your body's natural cues.
1 in 4 dieters develop an eating disorder. Eating disorders are the 2nd most deadly mental illness.
**This is not a criticism of individuals who engage in dieting, please know that we are all doing the best we can to navigate a world where this messaging is prevalent. I hold huge amounts of compassion for those actively engaging in diet culture, as much as those who are on their own journey to break free of it. This series of emails is to highlight the cons, pitfalls and risks that are not discussed in the promotion and marketing of different diets.**
Disordered eating may be a byproduct of low confidence and self-esteem. If you feel like you need some extra support, my Building Confidence and Self-Esteem online course will provide you with knowledge, tools and strategies using CBT techniques to help you identify how this is affecting your mental health and how to improve it.