Diet Paradigm |
Non-Diet Paradigm |
|
|---|---|---|
Weight |
Achieving ideal weight (or as close as possible), used as a measure of success. | Body will seek its natural weight as individuals eat in response to physical causes of hunger, fullness, and sense of well-being, as well as taste. |
Hunger |
Attempt to suppress or ignore hunger. Transgressions associated with lack of will power or "giving in." Physical and emotional hunger confused | Physical cues to eat are valuable and relied upon. Responding to physical hunger and fullness (with occasional emotional eating) will bring about natural weight gain. |
Exercise |
Reaching and maintaining goal weight dependent on exercise, which is often dropped when an individual falls off a diet. It is seen as a "have to" or "should". It is common to develop exercise resistance. | Physical activities, listening to the body, seeking play and natural movement are all explored. Not connected to weight loss or change of body size and shape. |
Food |
Moralized as good/bad, illegal/legal, should/shouldn't, on/off diet. Variety, quantity, calories, fat grams, etc are determined by an external source, like the diet, program or staff. | Neutralized. ALL food is acceptable. Quantity, quantity and frequency are determined by the individual exploring and responding to physical cues, sense of well-being, taste, medical values, blood glucose levels. It is self-regulated, internally cued, non-restrained. |
Self-Esteem & Self-Acceptance |
Individual typically gains a false sense of power and control with weight loss, adherence to diet, and exercise plan. Self-esteem and body acceptance rarely improve. This goal is elusive as one can usually get thinner and more toned. | Increase in self-esteem is from self-determined eating style and movement. Bodies come in all sizes and are naturally beautiful. Cultural standards are hazardous; pursuit of these standards can interfere with quality of life. |
Trust and Distrust in Self and Body |
Individual may come to distrust body and sense of judgment, especially with history of failure. Trust typically is placed primarily in diet or "nutritionist." | Trust develops in self and body by discerning physical cues and freely responding to them without judgment or criticism. |
From: Moving Away from Diets by Nancy King MS, RD, CDE
