Diet culture says: Eat this salad because you are bad. Body positivity says: Eat the cake because YOLO. But the wellness sweet spot is: I am eating this salmon because it makes my brain sharp for that meeting at 2 PM. And later, I am eating that cake because it brings me joy and connection. Intuitive eating allows for both nutrients and pleasure. You don't have to earn your food, but you also don't have to feel terrible physically just to prove you're "free."
The most radical act of wellness is realizing that Diet culture says: Eat this salad because you are bad
When creating a wellness lifestyle, you can pick the tool that serves you. You don't have to love your stretch marks to go for a walk. You just have to believe you are worth the walk. And later, I am eating that cake because
"I want to change my body. Is that anti-body-positivity?" The Reality: No. You are allowed to want to be stronger, more flexible, or even leaner. The line is crossed when you require that change to happen before you allow yourself to be happy or worthy. You can pursue transformation from a place of curiosity, not contempt. You don't have to love your stretch marks to go for a walk