We’ve all been there: a big vacation or event is coming up, and suddenly, the urge to lose a few pounds becomes overwhelming.
It’s almost a reflex, deeply ingrained by diet culture, to think that shedding weight before a trip will somehow make it more enjoyable. But here’s the truth—cutting carbs or restricting your diet in the weeks leading up to your vacation won’t actually make you happier once you’re there.
The Pressure of Diet Culture
Diet culture has sold us the idea that being thinner equates to happiness, confidence, and a good time. We’re led to believe that we’ll feel better about ourselves if we look slimmer in photos. On the flip side, there’s also the fear that others might judge us harshly if we don’t lose weight, thinking we’ve “let ourselves go.”
But here’s the deal: no amount of dieting in the short term will significantly alter your happiness or self-worth. The idea that thinner equals happier is a misconception that can actually detract from your experience rather than enhance it.
Why Dieting Backfires
You’re setting yourself up for failure when you restrict your diet—whether by cutting carbs, calories, or certain food groups. Your body’s natural response to deprivation is to crave the very things you’re denying it, which often leads to overeating or binging later on. It’s like holding your breath: eventually, you’ll have to gasp for air. The same goes for food—you can only hold out for so long before your body demands what it needs.
Research shows that even if you manage to lose weight through dieting, you’re likely to regain it—and often more—once you return to your regular eating habits. This yo-yo effect is frustrating and damaging to your relationship with food and your body.
The Core Belief Behind Dieting
The desire to lose weight before an event or vacation stems from a deeper, more painful belief: that you’re not worthy of enjoying life in your current body. This belief suggests that you must earn the right to have fun, relax, and feel good by being thinner. But none of this is true.
You deserve to enjoy your vacation or event just as you are. Your body, in its current state, is worthy of pleasure, joy, and fun—no matter what society or diet culture tells you.
What to Do Instead of Restrictive Dieting
Instead of succumbing to the diet mentality, lean into intuitive eating. This approach involves listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and choosing foods that satisfy you without guilt or restriction.
If you’re someone who loves a bit of structure, try planning your meals. But here’s the catch—plan meals that include all food groups, especially those you’re tempted to cut out, like carbs. This shows your body and mind that you can enjoy all types of food in a balanced way without spiraling into overindulgence.
Meal planning doesn’t have to be about restriction. It can be a way to ensure you’re eating foods you love in a way that feels good to you. For those needing a bit more guidance, I’ve created a Menu Planning Cheat Sheet to help you plan satisfying meals that align with intuitive eating.
Body Image Strategies for Your Trip
Let’s talk about body image, specifically when it comes to wearing a swimsuit on vacation or dressing up for a big event. If the thought of donning a swimsuit fills you with dread, remember this: nobody is paying as much attention to your body as you think. And if someone does judge you, that’s a reflection of them, not you.
If you’re really struggling, try wearing your swimsuit at home before your trip. Get comfortable with how it feels and looks on you. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your time, not to waste it worrying about how you look.
For events like weddings or parties, resist the urge to hide in photos. You deserve to be in the memories captured just as much as anyone else. Be present, enjoy the moment, and remember that your worth isn’t tied to your appearance.
Final Thoughts
Vacations and special events are about creating memories, relaxing, and having fun—not about fitting into a certain size or hitting a weight goal. By letting go of the pressure to diet, you can fully embrace the experience and enjoy it for what it is, not for how you look while doing it.
Remember, your body is already enough. Enjoy your trip, savor the food, and take all the pictures you want—you deserve it.
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