Food freedom is the ultimate wellness hack. Chronic stress from dieting raises cortisol, leading to inflammation and weight gain—the very things the diet industry claims to fix. By relaxing around food, you physiologically become healthier. How many times have you dragged yourself to the gym, miserable, just because you "had to"? That is not wellness; that is punishment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. If you suffer from an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, please consult a mental health professional. Body positivity is a journey, not a destination.
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Furthermore, stress from weight stigma causes cortisol spikes, inflammation, and avoidance of medical care. Many people in larger bodies avoid the doctor because they are told to lose weight for a sprained ankle. By removing stigma, we actually improve health outcomes. The old wellness lifestyle was exclusionary. It was expensive (organic, boutique gyms, personal trainers). It was ableist (not everyone can run). It was fatphobic.