International No-Diet Day

Help is on the way: Support for individuals, couples and families in the community

Event Details
On Tuesday 6 May, Swinburne's Psychology Clinic is hosted a free public event to raise awareness of International No Diet Day, which is an annual celebration of body acceptance and diversity that was established in 1992. The aims of International No Diet Day include dispelling the notion of one ‘right' body shape, reducing community focus on dieting and appearance, raising awareness of weight discrimination and acknowledging the experience of individuals struggling with an eating disorder.

In hosting the event, the Clinic aimed to promote a community focus on physical and mental wellbeing, rather than weight and shape.  The event included a free public screening of the movie ‘Perfect Body', which tells the story of young gymnast who nearly starves herself to realize her dream of making the Olympic gymnastics team. A mindful eating exercise was also conducted by one of the facilitators of the Mindful Moderate Eating Group.

10 Ways to Celebrate No Diet Day Every Day
1. Wear a blue ribbon, which is the symbol of International No Diet Day
2. Celebrate and acknowledge the natural beauty and diversity of the human body.
3. Tune into your body, identify your body's unique hunger and satiety needs and use this information to guide your choice about what to eat.
4. Affirm your right to good health, emotional wellbeing and for your body to be its natural size and shape.
5. Remove the labels of "good" and "bad" attached to particular types of food.
6. Try to do at least one thing you have been putting off ‘until you loose weight'.
7. Prepare a meal with your friends and family, remembering that eating is meant to be social, enjoyable and good for you.
8. Be aware of the dangers of strict dieting.
9. Model healthy eating behaviours and body image to young people in our community and spread the word about International No Diet Day.
10. Try eating mindfully by enjoying eating with all your senses; experiencing its taste, aroma, aesthetics and texture.

To find out how to make an appointment for our low-cost counselling service click here.

To find out more about the Psychology Clinic's specialist group therapy programs, including the Mindful Moderate Eating Group click here.