Truth be told, I’ve always found the word diet to be a bit annoying. I feel like it’s a particularly anti-feminist word — especially in the way that it’s used nowadays. It’s almost always about depriving yourself in order to get skinny and fit the media’s view of what’s ‘sexy’.
You’ve seen the headlines. “The Bikini Diet You Must Try”, and “The Diet That’ll Get You Looking Sexy in Two Weeks”, etc. It’s pretty much always next to a photo of a woman in a swimsuit or skimpy clothing, and a tagline that reads something like this: “You’re not good enough the way you are. Stick to this deprivation diet and you may get the chance to be what every woman wants to be — skinny! Then, thanks to this diet, you can snag a hot man and have people envy you.” Ok, well maybe I’m reading into it a bit too much. But the message is certainly always superficial and never empowering.
Wondering what you can do about it? We’ve found a way for you to take a stand. Lean Cuisine has started an initiative to help women break free from the word diet. They want women to define their self worth not by what they weigh, but by the accomplishments they’re most proud of. To wit, they filmed a wonderful video asking women what they’re proud of. It made my cry. Seriously. Check it out:
Touching, right? They’re asking women to share what really matters to them, with the hashtag #WeighThis. I’ve done it, and I’d encourage you to not only check out what others are posting, but post what you want the be “weighed on” — ie. what really motivates you — with the hashtag #WeighThis. Because it’s up to us, as women, to stand up and tell the world that we’re not defined by our bodies or our weight. That we’re defined by our actions. Our love. Our personality.
Stand up and tell the world that you will not be defined by external superficialities!
Not sure what to post? Lean Cuisine was so overwhelmed by the outpouring of response from their video that they decided to take the #WeighThis submissions, all the things that people are proud of, and celebrate by creating a massive art installation in Grand Central Station. Scales were used to showcase each #WeighThis submission because it sends a powerful message about valuing the amazing things women do over the number on the scale. Check out the video for some touching inspiration:
To further their initiative to promote healthy self-esteem and remove the word diet from our vocabulary, Lean Cuisine has made a TV plugin (which is currently being beta tested by influencers) and a Chrome browser extension (which you can download now) that will block the word diet from whatever you’re watching or reading. When you filter the word “diet” using the Chrome extension, Lean Cuisine will give back to Girls Leadership, an organization that teaches girls the skills to know who they are, what they believe, and how to express it — empowering them (and us) to create change in their world.
Here’s more about that:
Imagine never having to see or hear the word diet again. Would that make you feel empowered? Stronger? Sexier? Would you start weighing yourself based on what matters, instead of your appearance? Comment below and let me know how it makes you feel!
Disclosure: Although this post is sponsored by Lean Cuisine,
all words are my own and I fully support their initiative.
I don’t get it.How are we supposed to lose weight if we don’t eat diet food? lol x
I think the “diet” adblocking is a really interesting idea. Maybe I’m stating the obvious, but wouldn’t it also block out lean cuisines ads, since they are a type of “diet food”? Just one of the many thoughts that ran through my head as I watched the commercial and I admit I teared up!.
Cool! I’ll take a healthy diet over a weight loss diet any day!!
Sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to give it a try!
I can’t believe more brands aren’t doing this sort of marketing. It’s so smart!! Made me a new fan 🙂
Not hearing the word diet would help me to be less critical of my body. I’m sick of being told I have to diet and lose weight. I look great the way I am!
I’ll download the extension and see how I feel after a week or two. Will be an interesting experiment! I love that they donate each time I use it 🙂
This was an awesome article! Love to read your writing! Thank you for speaking what many many woman have gone through & feel!!
I try to write about things we can all relate to. Feel free to suggest other topics as they come to mind. I’m listening on social media! 🙂
I have been the scale’s servant for much too long….when girls forget to be themselves and instead long to be everyone else. Comparisons become your new hobby and dissecting your new passion. It is a sad transformation and one I know well.
Speaking of health wise though – a digital weigh-in every week shouldn’t put anyone’s self esteem into a tailspin. It’s what you weigh and it’s important to know.