Arise and Eat: How I Rejected Diet Culture Once And For All
“Train insane or remain the same!” my college friends and I chanted, unfurling our yoga mats across the gym floor. It was the same old, same old. Binge on junk food, swear off the junk and only eat salads, over-exercise, rinse and repeat. The yo-yo dieting was in full force.
Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been conscious of my size. Despite being an active kid, I felt compelled to introduce formal exercise at a young age. I’d do anything to not be labeled “chunky.” My college years ushered in bouts of binge eating and subsequent under eating. I hit a new low number on the scale, and I congratulated myself. Yet, it still wasn’t enough. More salads, less carbs was my mantra. I never became fully anorexic or bulimic, but I had a very unhealthy relationship with food nonetheless.
After college came a new kind of dieting. This was a parade of Whole 30s, gluten free, paleo, plant based, keto. If it was trending in the health sphere, you bet I tried it. I continuously whipped myself into a frenzy of perfectionism over the ingredients I consumed. “Health” was a prize to be fought and won. The harder and more miserable the diet fad, the healthier it must be, right?
Then one day, the cycle stopped.
With great relief, I stepped away from the diet culture that enveloped my whole life. You see, I finally realized that my body is beautiful. Finally, I truly believed when God told me I was made in His Image and Likeness. That I was a “Temple of the Holy Spirit.” It dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, my body didn’t need to be “less.” Maybe my body is wise and thrives at a certain weight. Maybe I am worthy of nourishment and food just how I am now.
Tayler Crabb, @taylercrabb.
Accepting my body’s wisdom and inherent beauty feels like a spiritual experience. Choosing to nourish my body with ample nutrient-dense foods is a way for me to honor God and His perfect Creation. Fueling my body gives me the strength and energy to live my vocation in a way that reflects the glory of God.
What does this look like? For me, this means baking sourdough bread, because the long fermentation process makes the wheat easier for me to digest. If I crave ice cream, I make it myself from grass fed cream, farm fresh egg yolks, and maple syrup for sweetener. I make tuna salad, but mix in a few sardines alongside the tuna. I never deny myself a craving, and when I do indulge, I make it as nutrient dense as possible. My body needs these nutrients to thrive, and my cravings reflect a nutritional need. Every meal contains a healthy proportion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Remember, every body is unique. Your nutrient needs and preferences may look different than mine. It’s freeing to realize that fueling our bodies is not a one-size-fits-all affair like that preached by diet culture.
No more yo-yo dieting for me. My body is now allowed to rest and “remain the same,” because it is beautiful. My body is here to feel healthy, happy, and give honor to God.
“Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you.” ~ 1 Kings 19:7
Meet Marissa Federline
Marissa is a wife and stay-at-home mama living in Northern Virginia. She thrives in the sunshine outdoors with her toddler and newborn, baking (and eating) sourdough bread, and watching “The Office” for the millionth time with her husband. Marissa graduated from Christendom College with a degree in English Literature and taught first grade for several years before staying home to raise her babies. She is an introverted old-soul who looks for God in the small, everyday moments of life. She firmly believes that sainthood can be achieved one diaper change at a time! You can find her on Instagram @stella_maris_creates.