The Toxicity of the Wellness Culture

That is a radical statement! Being well is something we all want. We follow the latest diet trends. We take the recommended supplements. We become "fat phobic," telling ourselves we are not "good enough" if we are overweight.

Debra Benfield, founder and owner of Body in Mind Nutrition, told me that there is an ageist diet/wellness culture that leads to a lack of body respect in the Pro-Aging movement. Deb wants to blaze a path into elderhood without the scales!

Topics covered:

• Internal biases around eating, diet, weight and fitness, specifically focused on women over 50
• We have learned that in order to be loved, be worthy or be of value, we must be thin, This belief leads to disordered eating, feeling badly about ourselves. 
• Intuitive eating - eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full. Stay out of your head, stop counting calories, stop tracking, 
• We can feel overwhelmed by so many different diets and even may have forgotten how to eat a healthy diet.
• Research shows that it is not obesity that causes heart disease, diabetes or other diseases, it is actually the behaviors or genetics or trauma. You can be fat and fit. 
• Being thin does not equal healthy.

Episode Takeaways:

1. Wrap your head around the idea that all bodies are worthy

2. These suggestions can help you age with vitality and protect you from disordered eating

• Move your body so it feels like play
• Be socially connected
• Manage your stress
• Use intuitive eating

Thanks so much for listening.

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How to reach us

You can email me with questions or comments at wendy@heyboomer.biz

Join the Hey, Boomer Walk to End Alzheimer's Team at act.alz.org/go/HeyBoomer 

– Wendy Green is a Certified Life Coach, working with people going through the sometimes uncomfortable life transition from full-time work to “what’s next.” Find out more about Wendy’s 6-week “What’s Next Transition” Coaching workshop

– You can find Debra Benfield at debrabenfield.com 

- On Instagram at @agingbodyliberation

- or email her at deb@debrabenfield.com

Books mentioned in the show

The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women

The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach