Spotting diet culture can be challenging because it surrounds us. The diet industry pushes people to be unsatisfied with their bodies reaching to trial another diet, supplement, or program to help reach an ideal body goal. What a money maker!

But how to avoid getting sucked into this trap?

First, try to pinpoint what health means to you. When do you feel your healthiest? My healthy is not going to be the same as the lady down the street. Everyone’s needs are different, which means there is no diet, pill, or cream that is a fix all. Let’s think overall health… mind, body, soul. A diet trend that excludes certain foods or supplements a beverage for a meal is probably not going to allow you to fuel your soul, or body long term. Any sort of restriction or food shaming, likely will lead to dissatisfaction and overeating later on.

Second, notice how much it costs to be healthy. True health does not need to be expensive. You do not need a certain powder, exercise equipment, or all organic produce in order to be your healthiest. Being healthy can be as simple as drinking clean water, moving your body outdoors, and including some frozen vegetables in your meals. All of which is pretty affordable for most people.

Third, avoid striving to make your body look a certain way. Bodies shape and size are mostly from genetics. So striving for a thigh gap, perfect curves, or 6 pack abs is most likely not going to happen, unless genetics are in your favor. Something I always think about is, if people know you have no control over your height, why do they care so much about changing their weight, another genetic determined factor.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get out of society’s standards and find your own health, click here.