International No Diet Day | Celebrations, purpose

 International No Diet Day

Charcoal grilled rack of lamb chops topped with pesto and rosemary and sauteed Brussel sprouts with bacon and onion p(Getty)

Every year on May 6th, International No Diet Day is celebrated worldwide. This day was founded by Mary Evans Young, a feminist from the UK in 1992, with the aim of promoting self-acceptance of one's body and increasing awareness of the dangers of dieting and the societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. The main objective of International No Diet Day is to encourage people to adopt a healthy and well-balanced approach towards their diet and body image, instead of resorting to extreme weight loss measures. It also emphasizes the importance of body diversity and celebrates the unique beauty of all body types.

Why is International No Diet Day celebrated?

Burger in a bun with bacon slices, cheese, and vegetable garnish, served with French fries on a pub table(Getty)

International No Diet Day is celebrated to promote body acceptance and raise awareness about the potential dangers of dieting and the societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. The day encourages individuals to embrace a healthy and balanced approach to food and body image, rather than focusing on extreme diets and weight loss. It also seeks to promote body diversity and celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of all body types. The day aims to empower individuals to love and accept their bodies just the way they are and to embrace self-care practices that prioritize overall health and well-being rather than solely focusing on weight loss or achieving a certain appearance.

Where was the first International no diet day celebrated?

Traditional summer dessert Eton Mess. Broken meringue with whipped cream, berry jam, fresh blueberries, and raspberries in two glasses, decorated with mint leaves(Getty)

The first International No Diet Day was celebrated in the United Kingdom in 1992 when it was established by British feminist Mary Evans Young. Since then, the day has been observed annually on May 6th in many countries around the world.

How do you celebrate International No Diet Day?

International No Diet Day is celebrated by promoting body acceptance, self-love, and healthy eating habits. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate the day:

Confit fried chicken with salad at Left Bank Brasserie, a French cuisine restaurant(Getty)

Wear comfortable clothing: 

Dress in comfortable clothing that makes you feel good about yourself and your body.

Cook a healthy meal: 

Make a delicious and nutritious meal for yourself and your loved ones. Focus on foods that nourish your body and mind, rather than restricting yourself.

Practice self-care: 

Take time for yourself and practice self-care activities such as meditation, yoga, or a relaxing bath.

Compliment yourself: 

Take a moment to appreciate your body and all that it does for you. Write down some positive affirmations and repeat them throughout the day.

Share body-positive messages:

 Spread body positivity by sharing uplifting messages on social media or with friends and family.

Remember, the goal of International No Diet Day is to promote body acceptance and celebrate the beauty and diversity of all body types.