From the Perspective of an Overweight Nutritionist

My Journey to Welcoming Body Positivity:

As a nutritionist, my journey with food, weight, and body image has been complex. You might think that I have it all figured out as someone who advises others on healthy eating. But the truth is, I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. As National No-Diet Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on my own relationship with food and how it has shaped my perspective on health and wellness.

Growing up, I was always the chubby kid. As I got older, I tried every diet imaginable, from counting calories to cutting out entire food groups. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t maintain a “normal” weight. It wasn’t until I entered the field of nutrition that I began to understand that the issue wasn’t with me—it was with the diet culture that surrounds us.

In my professional life, I’ve seen the damaging effects of diet culture firsthand. Clients come to me seeking the latest fad diet or quick-fix solution to their weight struggles, only to end up feeling even more frustrated and defeated when they inevitably fail to see long-term results. And I can relate—I’ve been there myself.

But as I’ve delved deeper into my journey of self-discovery, I’ve realised that true health and wellness are about so much more than the number on the scale. They’re about nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, moving in ways that bring you joy, and cultivating a positive relationship with yourself and your body.

That’s why this National No-Diet Day holds such significance for me. It’s a day to challenge the diet mentality that tells us we’re not good enough unless we’re striving for some unattainable ideal of perfection. It’s a day to celebrate our bodies for all they do for us, regardless of size or shape.

For me, embracing body positivity has been a game-changer. Instead of focusing on restriction and deprivation, I now approach nutrition from a place of self-love and acceptance. I eat foods that nourish me, not because they’re low in calories or fat, but because they make me feel vibrant and alive. I move my body in good ways, whether going for a walk in nature or dancing around my living room.

Of course, this isn’t to say that I’ve completely abandoned nutrition principles. As a professional, I understand the importance of fueling my body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. But I no longer view food as the enemy or myself as a failure if I indulge in a slice of cake or skip a workout.

Instead, I listen to my body’s cues and honour its needs without judgment. Some days that might mean enjoying a salad overflowing with colourful veggies, while others might mean cozying up with a bowl of mac and cheese. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay.

So, this National No Diet Day, I invite you to join me in embracing a new paradigm of health that prioritises self-care, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. Let’s reject the diet mentality that tells us we’re not enough and instead celebrate the amazing bodies we inhabit. After all, life is too short to count calories and chase an impossible ideal.

Let’s eat, move, and love ourselves just as we are.

 

Dani Xx

 

More than just one on one:

We know that one on one consultations simply aren’t right for everyone, and that’s why we are in the process of putting together some really great resources for those of you who would prefer to watch webinars or do self-paced online courses. In fact, we have an in-person FREE workshop on Saturday 2nd June at 10:30am in our clinic in Croydon. Spaces are limited – if you’re interested please ensure you book your spot here.

Please keep an eye on our Health Hub to see what webinars and workshops we have available. By joining the mailing list we will also let you know when new resources are uploaded.