Note from a dietitian: Always eat cake on your birthday

Take a moment today to celebrate you.

Today is my birthday. Not a big splashy one, but a birthday non-the-less. In a culture where appearances are trumped only by the life you portray on social media, we crave moments in our life where simple pleasures and human connection reign supreme. We crave an escape from the toxic and relentless presence and pressure of diet culture.

Symbolic. Cake has long been synonymous with celebrations, especially birthdays. By partaking in this ritual, you’re actively participating in the celebration of your life and the memories created along the way. Take these moments to celebrate you.

Diet culture. Hmm. And then reality hits. As a dietitian, I see and hear these two words, “diet culture” as destruction to the human spirit. These two words are ladened with guilt, shame and a pressure to conform. These two words thrive on the fear of weight gain, demonizing certain foods and promoting restrictive eating patterns as the solution to all our problems. These two words make our daily choices challenging at best, and potentially life threatening at worst. These two words are very dangerous. The term ‘diet culture’ creates societal norms, unrealistic beauty standards, and harmful ideologies that permeate every aspect of our lives. Diet culture conceals a multitude of dangers that not only affect individuals’ physical health but also wreak havoc on their mental and emotional well-being. But, not every body is the same. Why do we expect this? How boring would life be if this was the case? I have met many people in my career who are healthy and happy, and yet by today’s standards are judged and criticized for their weight. Society views their worth as contingent upon their ability to adhere to arbitrary standards of beauty and thinness. Why do we do this to ourselves and each other? Why have we allowed this culture of cruelty to filter into the psyche of our children, our friends, family and ourselves? Why can we not find balance and acceptance in our minds and celebrate each person’s light that they bring to the world. Weight should not define a person. Weight is not the sparkle in someone’s eye, or the overwhelming love in their heart. Weight does not show one’s contributions to society, or their generosity of spirit. Weight does not signify a person’s intelligence, their achievements or their capacity to do great things. So, why do we allow these two words to define us. Why do they have so much power?

Shifting the narrative. It takes time, and people to shift the narrative. But, it has to begin somewhere and it can be done. Diet culture is not serving anyone. So, let’s start a new trend. Something as small as a birthday celebration with a second serving of cake can start the movement. Take photos, share your joyful, delicious moment with the world. And share it with pride. Your best weight is not defined by society, but rather the balance you find with activity, healthy eating and a life of joyful indulgence.

Today, I will eat my cake. I will indulge in the delicious, creamy texture and smile without guilt or shame as I help myself to a second serving. Today, is not about nutrient value, but rather about my ‘whole self’ and recognizing that quality of life has many contributing factors. Fact? Diet culture does NOT contribute to your quality of life, it hinders it.

My birthday wish? Take a moment today to see yourself not as how you look, but rather as who you are and join me in slice (or two) of cake to celebrate your fabulousness.

Oh, and another general rule? Always get popcorn at the movies. I mean…. I don’t even need to explain that one. You get it.

**To all of my friends with various dietary restrictions, “cake” here refers to a variety of options. It could be gluten-free cake, ice cream cake, cup cakes, pavlova, an ice cream sundae, a candy salad or whatever your heart desires for your special day. Bon appetite!