When the Carbs Call, and You Must Answer
Once upon a time in a land far, far away (okay, my kitchen), I opened the fridge and whispered to the cheesecake:
“Today… you are free.”
Why? Because it’s International No Diet Day — the glorious, guilt-free celebration of food, body acceptance, and telling your salad to take the day off.
Celebrated every year on May 6th, No Diet Day was created in 1992 by British feminist Mary Evans Young, who got tired of society’s obsession with weight and dieting. She started this movement to encourage body positivity, self-acceptance, and a break from diet culture.
And honestly? She deserves a statue. Made of chocolate cake!
To all the food I have deserted, I just want to say sorry. Butter naan, hamburgers, fried chicken, all those delicious desserts, will you please come back to me? Just for today?
Today, We Feast — Tomorrow, We Regret Nothing
No Diet Day isn’t about bingeing,—-well, I am going to binge , but— it’s about letting go of guilt. It’s a reminder that your worth isn’t measured in calories, that no one was put on Earth to count almonds, and that food is meant to be enjoyed, not feared.
So eat the bread. Order dessert. Eat the last slice. Lick the spoon. And if anyone judges you, offer them a cookie and move on.
Top 5 Things to Do on No Diet Day
- Eat whatever you want. Yes, even fries with mayo.
- Unfollow diet culture accounts. Seriously, your timeline needs more samosas and less detox.
- Wear something comfy. Bonus points if it has an elastic waistband.
- Look in the mirror and smile. That body’s been carrying you through life. Love it.
- Celebrate your favorite dish. Alone or with friends, but with zero apologies.
A Word to the Diet Police
To the person saying, “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips” — I say: So what? My hips are fabulous, and they salsa better than you do.
Your Body Is Not a Project
It’s a home. A friend. A dance partner. A late-night snack companion.
This No Diet Day, give it a break. Give yourself a break.
Eat joyfully, live loudly, and remember — you’re not here to shrink.
You’re here to shine. Preferably with gravy.
Ha! Love this: “My hips are fabulous, and they salsa better than you do.” And can we have no diet day every day? Imagine if we let ourselves enjoy the chocolate and the butter naan guilt free from time to time, without having to “earn” it or repent it the next day by killing ourselves at the gym! (Not that I’ve seen the inside of a gym in years, but you know what I mean! ;-))
What a fab idea, Sunita. Ah! If only I knew yesterday! 😉