This was the first summer in a long time where I’ve been surrounded by diet culture but not fallen into that trap, and it’s made for one of my most enjoyable summers yet. So here’s six reasons why (number four is my favourite).
I dieted over the Australian summers of 2016/17 and 2017/18. Both times, the diet ended in February and it was part of a long term plan to help me reach my body composition goals. I’ve matured past the temptation of detoxes, cleanses, “shreds” and clean eating in a bid to drop any perceived excess weight. But as the weather warms up there’s more and more diet chat plastered across social media and discussed in the workplace. You’re showing more skin, there’s more sweat, and it’s hard not to feel like you should be dieting, even if you don’t need to.
I didn’t want to be part of that cycle again this year. Besides, my goals were different. I intentionally decided to compete in a powerlifting competition in February, forcing me to focus on gaining strength. For me, it’s a hard ask to get stronger while getting leaner, so with the competition as my goal, dieting just wasn’t a feasible option.
As uncomfortable as I started this summer the stress and analysis has ebbed away. So based on my experience I thought I would share my top six reasons as to why you shouldn’t diet next summer.
1. Short diets don’t teach you anything
I understand the temptation of wanting to diet hard and fast to get to some goal weight or chase some physical shape. But drastic measures to reach some arbitrary “bikini body” in the short term makes you miserable and in the long term sets you up for a rebound. It’s ok to want to lose weight, but to do so sustainably there are aspects of your life that will have to change. So make those changes and instil those habits at a time that feels right for you, when you have support of your family and friends and when you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
2. It’s hard to say no to a cold drink
A pretty typical summer consists of beers around the BBQ, frozen margaritas and nights out. As enjoyable as a nice drink is, alcohol is quite literally the definition of empty calories. When dieting it’s normally the first thing you need to reduce or give up because less alcohol = less calories and likely less tipsy snacking too. I’m not a big drinker by any means, but by not dieting this summer is certainly was nice to enjoy a few drinks over Christmas and the public holidays.
3. #fitspo is not real life
The urge to diet for summer is largely driven by social media and the fitness industry. Essentially they’re trying to convince you that you’re currently flawed, and you need to either do certain things or look a certain way to be happy and/or accepted. Individuals in the industry profit off their physique year round but their fitness and beauty standards are not realistic for the everyday person. I don’t want to give up my simple little life of ice cream by the beach and snacks with friends by the pool – and you shouldn’t think you need to either. Which brings me to my next point.
4. Ice cream
Do I really need to say anything else? The ice cream scene has exploded in Australia the past 6-12 months and I am Here. For. It. While there are a number of lower calorie options on the market, in my opinion nothing beats the real deal. Right now I shudder at the thought of eating less ice cream to be leaner, it’s simply not a life I want to live.
5. It’s festive season
I know the majority of the world gets a mid-year summer but for all my southern hemisphere pals, summer coincides with Christmas. In December it feels like every week has some sort of end of year celebration, Christmas party, graduation or farewell – all leading up to the big day itself. Frankly it becomes exhausting picking and choosing your occasions, planning your meals in advance, saying no to food, and sipping on water while everyone around you holds a glass of champagne. I managed to do it the last two years but couldn’t bring myself to do so again. In a way it was liberating actually being able to enjoy some more gingerbread or a summer picnic with friends, and I could see how happy my friends and family were for me too.
6. You are more than your body
I compared the photos below of my respective summers. There’s 7kg between February 2017 and February 2019. And you know what, I don’t even think I look that different. 7kg is a lot of weight (for me) and losing that weight again would take a long time and be stress on my body and mind that I don’t need to put myself through. I’ve realised I’m happier sharing more moments and food with family and friends than I am when I’m shredded. So I would ask you what your motivations are for wanting to lose weight this summer. If you think it’s because you’ll be happier or more confident, then I ask you why can’t you work on being that right now?
Em Wizz Fitness 
Yeah, you look fantastic. There is zero reason for you to diet.
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