Diet Culture & The Truth About Consistency
Consistency is one of the most misunderstood aspects of weight loss. Recently, in my FREE Facebook Group, I ran a poll to uncover what people needed the most help with. Out of 18 different topics, the need for consistency stood out. Here’s the thing: diet culture has warped how we think about consistency. It’s time to break free from the idea that consistency equals perfection and redefine it in a way that works for your life and goals.
How Diet Culture Warps Our View of Consistency
Diet culture teaches us that success requires perfection. It tells us we need to eat “clean,” exercise every day, and avoid anything “bad” at all costs. If we fall short, we’re conditioned to feel like failures.
But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t realistic, and it’s not necessary. If you believe that consistency means doing everything flawlessly, you’re setting yourself up for frustration and burnout.
Let me ask you this: If your car got a flat tire, would you slash the other three? No, right? So why do we adopt a “screw it” mentality when we slip up on our weight loss journey? Diet culture promotes this all-or-nothing mindset, but it’s time to leave that behind.
What Consistency Really Looks Like
Consistency isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself, even when things don’t go as planned.
For example:
- If you eat a cookie, it doesn’t mean your day is ruined. You can still make healthier choices for the rest of the day.
- If you miss a workout, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Doing a shorter workout or moving your body in another way still counts.
Small, intentional actions add up over time. That’s what consistency really means.
How Self-Talk Impacts Consistency
One of the biggest barriers to consistency is negative self-talk. When diet culture tells us we have to be perfect, it creates an inner critic that’s quick to shame us for any misstep.
Instead of listening to that voice, try to reframe your thoughts. Remind yourself that progress, not perfection, is the goal.
The Role of Boredom in Consistency
Another overlooked barrier to consistency is boredom. Diet culture often glorifies rigid meal plans and repetitive workouts, making it hard to stay engaged.
But here’s the thing: boredom doesn’t have to be a problem. Ask yourself: Why is boredom an issue for me? Often, we turn to food or distractions to escape boredom, but you can learn to embrace it as part of the process.
Diet Culture and Unrealistic Expectations
Diet culture sets us up for failure by promoting extreme expectations. It tells us we need to eat perfectly, exercise for hours, and avoid any indulgence.
But what happens when life gets busy? You miss a workout or grab takeout instead of cooking. Diet culture would have you believe you’ve failed, but the reality is that consistency doesn’t require perfection.
- Walking for 20 minutes is better than not walking at all.
- Eating a balanced meal after having a treat is still progress.
The key is finding what works for you and sticking with it—not striving for unattainable perfection.
How to Break Free from Diet Culture and Embrace Real Consistency
If you want to build true consistency, you need to redefine it for yourself. Here’s how:
- Challenge Diet Culture Narratives: Reject the idea that perfection is necessary for success.
- Define Your Version of Consistency: What actions can you realistically commit to on a regular basis?
- Let Go of All-or-Nothing Thinking: A single slip-up doesn’t erase your progress.
- Focus on Sustainability: Whatever you do to lose weight should be something you can maintain for life.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step you take toward your goal matters.
The Reality of Consistency in Weight Loss
Consistency doesn’t mean following a strict set of rules dictated by diet culture. It means finding a balance that works for your life and goals. It’s about progress, not perfection.
When you embrace this mindset, you free yourself from the unrealistic expectations of diet culture and create a sustainable approach to weight loss.
My Challenge to You
Take a moment to reflect on what consistency means to you. Are your expectations realistic, or are they shaped by diet culture’s impossible standards?
Remember, consistency is about persistence, not perfection. You don’t need to be flawless to achieve your goals—you just need to keep showing up for yourself.
Ready to Break Free from Diet Culture and Redefine Consistency?
Join my FREE Facebook Group to connect with others on the same path and get the support you need to build a sustainable, diet-free lifestyle.