Why Diet Culture Has Failed Us (And What Actually Works)

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of dieting, bingeing, or obsessing over every calorie, you’re not alone. Diet culture — the endless parade of quick fixes, rules, and miracle transformations — has been sold to us as the path to happiness and health. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t worked. For most of us, it’s just left us exhausted, frustrated, and disconnected from our bodies.

The Problem With Diet Culture

Diet culture thrives on shame and perfection. It tells us we’re never good enough, that we need to be thinner, fitter, or “better” to deserve self-love or respect. It boils down health to a number on the scale or the “right” foods on your plate, ignoring the complex reality of our lives.

Growing up, I watched people I loved criticize their bodies—and I learned to do the same. I tried every diet and quick fix, only to end up bingeing or hating myself when I “failed.” Sound familiar? That’s the cycle diet culture keeps us trapped.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• It’s unsustainable: Restrictive diets aren’t built for real life. They’re temporary rules that don’t teach you how to live or enjoy food long-term.

• It ignores your unique body: Everyone’s metabolism, lifestyle, and needs are different. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely fits anyone well.

• It damages your relationship with food: Food becomes the enemy or a reward, rather than nourishment and pleasure.

• It overlooks mental and emotional health: Stress, trauma, and mental well-being play huge roles in our health journey—diet culture often ignores this.

  
  

What Actually Works

After years of struggling, I found that strength training, balanced nutrition, and small, sustainable habit changes made the biggest difference. It’s not about perfection or quick fixes — it’s about building a lifestyle you can love and live in forever.

• Build strength, not just thinness: Your body is meant to move, grow, and get stronger. That foundation supports all other goals.

• Eat for nourishment and enjoyment: Balanced nutrition means fuelling your body in a way that feels good and fits your life.

• Focus on habits, not restrictions: Small, consistent changes beat extreme diets every time. A bad game doesn't equal a bad season. There are opportunities to make even the next HOUR better than the last.

• Give yourself grace: Health is a lifelong journey with ups and downs. Some times will be harder than others and it's ok to ride the wave, but always remember that prioritizing yourself will only make you feel better in the end and be able to cope with life easier.

  
  

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this mess solo. With the right guidance, support, and a plan that fits your life, you can break free from diet culture’s trap and find real wellness.

If you’re ready to ditch the diet drama and build strength, confidence, and a healthy relationship with food, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

xo Shelb