Rejecting Diet Culture in a World That Praises It

It’s hard to remember a time when being thin wasn’t held up as the ultimate measure of health. I (and many others) grew up surrounded by a culture that glorifies thinness and disguises it as wellness. The language may change over time (clean eating! balance! gut health!), but the message stays the same. And that messaging is loud and in recent times has become deafening: smaller is better, and control is power.

What’s beyond scary is how easy it is to internalize this message even when you think you know better. I consider myself someone who’s done the work. I’ve struggled with more than my fair share of food issues in the past and now study health communication and advocate for wellness without obsession, so I’ve learned to spot the glaring red flags along the way. And still, I’ve fallen into the trap. I’ve joined a gym program that encouraged 1200-calorie meal plans in the name of “health.” I've clicked on the “skinny” content. I can't believe I'm admitting this, but at one point about a year ago I was even subscribed to the infamous Liv Schmidt’s horrifically toxic weight-loss subscription group chat in the name of “accountability.” At the time, it felt exclusive, aspirational, and even empowering. But I look back and realize it was all just a polished package of incredibly harmful messaging.

Because that’s the thing, it’s SO tempting. Even when you know better. And it’s everywhere, it’s not just in the diet programs or before and after photos. This messaging is hidden in what I eat in a day videos, in gut health supplements, in soft-toned influencer posts about “resetting” or “getting back on track.” It’s hidden in the drastic rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, wrapped up in the new aesthetic of “wellness” that still, once you dig down to its core, is oftentimes about control and being small.

And the thing is, this messaging is everywhere. You don’t even have to be deep in the online health and wellness world to absorb it. It’s in passing conversations, in family dynamics, in casual comments that feel normal but are actually deeply rooted in diet culture. Just last week during a trip to the Hamptons, my mom would emphasize her belief that she needed to “cut carbs” every single time we went out to eat. At one point, she refused a second carrot stick because she needed to “cut back.” A waitress at one of the restaurants we went to for dinner joked, “I get it, it’s bikini season,” when we passed on dessert. And in the moment, I try my best to brush it off… but when you zoom out, it’s beyond exhausting and simply heartbreaking how ingrained this thinking is. 

I think back to that gym program promoting 1200-calorie meal plans from influencers with no credentials, disguised as “healthy” and “balanced.” At the time, I truly believed I was doing something good for my body, finally losing weight the “right” way. But it wasn’t health. It was restriction, fear, and control, dressed up in wellness language. It’s taken SO much work to unlearn that, and honestly I’m still doing the work and far from being healed. I’m working to unlearn these thoughts and finally achieve food freedom, and while it’s been incredibly healing, it’s also deeply challenging. Because when the world around you continues to praise shrinking yourself, when comments from loved ones and strangers reinforce the same old stories, it’s SO hard not to fall back into the patterns you’re trying desperately to leave behind.

But I’m learning. Relearning. Coming back to a place where food is nourishment, movement is joy, and health is about wholeness, not weight. I’m not sharing this because I’ve figured it all out, because I sure as hell haven’t. I’m sharing this because if you’re also starting to question what we’ve been sold, if you’re choosing healing over hustling for the perfect body, you’re not alone. And in a world that praises diet culture, making that choice is doing something radical.

Inside the Drop: A Review of the Methodology x Soul Sync Body Collab

I’ve been eyeing Methodology for a while now. Between their stunning branding, gut-friendly ethos, and high-protein, ready-to-eat meals, I had a feeling it would be right up my alley. So when I got the chance to try their exclusive drop in collaboration with Soul Sync Body (co-founded by the ever-inspiring Sanne Vloet), I was beyond thrilled. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!

This program wasn’t just a simple meal delivery service, it was a full-body reset. Every detail was so thoughtfully curated: nourishing meals combined with feel-good movement through Sanne’s signature Pilates and strength classes. And while I’ll talk about the movement piece in a bit, let’s start with the food… because WOW. Each meal was packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and honestly just made me feel so good. The fact that everything is ready to go and beautifully packaged is the cherry on top. (P.S. The salmon? Might be one of the best I’ve ever had. Yes, seriously!!)

Breakfast: Ceremonial Matcha & Heirloom Strawberry Latte Chia Parfait

This was love even before the first spoonful. I still can’t get over how pretty this parfait was!  The matcha flavor was vibrant but smooth and paired beautifully with the sweet-tart heirloom strawberry compote. The chia pudding base was creamy and perfectly textured (not too thick, not too runny, which is SO key for any chia pudding or overnight oats situation!), and I loved how subtly sweet it was without feeling artificial. It also kept me full for HOURS thanks to the chia, protein, and fiber content. This was the kind of breakfast that makes you excited to wake up in the morning! Beyond thrilled that this recipe along with the others will be available on the SoulSyncBody app, because I will definitely be recreating!

Lunch: Ora King Salmon + Mediterranean Spring Salad

Ora King Salmon is often called the “Wagyu of fish,” and after tasting this dish I totally get why. It was buttery, rich, and so tender that it practically melted in my mouth. Needless to say, this was NOT your average salad. The salmon was paired with a vibrant Mediterranean salad of asparagus, snap peas, cucumber, and greens tossed in a light, cucumber tzatziki vinaigrette. Everything tasted ultra-fresh and balanced, and the portion was so satisfying without feeling heavy! Easily one of the best salads I’ve had in a while!

Dinner: Ginger-Koji Zoodle Soup with Pastured Chicken Meatballs

This soup was comfort in a jar and such a perfect way to end the day! The broth was warm and fragrant with ginger and koji, and the zucchini noodles added texture while keeping things light. But the real star was the chicken meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and tender, they added heartiness and major protein to the dish. It felt like something you’d want to eat after a long day or when your body craves something soothing but still nutrient-dense. I topped with the included herbs, which added the perfect touch to this dish. Chef's kiss!

The Little Details That Make a Big Difference

What really set this drop apart for me beyond the meals themselves were the thoughtful touches that supported my day from start to finish. Each meal kicked off with an apple cider vinegar shrub diluted with water, which became a little ritual I actually looked forward to!

Out of the five flavors offered, I tried the Mangonificent (Mango) and Grape Escape (Concord Grape). Both were light, refreshing, and a far cry from the harsh ACV shots I’ve tried (and had to choke down!) in the past. They felt more like yummy wellness tonics than anything else, and genuinely helped ease me into my meals with better digestion and a fresh start.

And last but definitely not least there were the protein truffles, major standouts in my book! They come in five lovely flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate, Lemon Lavender, Salted Brownie Batter, Pistachio Fig Rose, and Salted Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. These were the perfect little sweet treat to enjoy mid-day or after dinner without feeling heavy or overly indulgent. Although I’m a huge chocolate girl, I really couldn't pick a favorite! They were all THAT good. Total game-changers when you want something satisfying and protein-packed that still feels like dessert!

These small moments of nourishment added such a luxurious and elevated touch to the whole experience. It's clear that Methodology is about much more than just the meals, it's also about creating mindful rituals that supported digestion, energy, and satisfaction throughout the entire day.

Final Thoughts

What impressed me most about Methodology was the way it delivered on both form and function. Yes, everything looked absolutely beautiful and Instagram-worthy, but it also made me feel amazing. Each meal was gut-friendly, high-protein, and packed with ingredients that nourished me from the inside out without ever sacrificing flavor, ease, or satisfaction.

Pairing the meals with Sanne’s Soul Sync Body app workouts felt like the ultimate act of alignment: intentional movement and intentional nourishment, with no extremes or restrictions, just a whole lot of love, quality ingredients, and thoughtful planning. I’ve been a huge fan of Sanne and her platform for years, so getting the chance to experience this drop was beyond exciting!

Lastly, can we take a little moment to talk about the packaging? Everything arrived in sleek, reusable containers, making cleanup a breeze and the fridge aesthetic on point. (Little details like that really do make a difference when you’re trying to stay consistent with wellness habits!) Will definitely be reusing the containers, but I can’t promise my meals will look nearly as pretty!

If you're looking to reset, feel nourished, and try something that supports both your body and your lifestyle, I can’t recommend Methodology enough. I’ve been eyeing their Maison Methodologie cookies for ages now and after trying their meals, I think I finally might pull the trigger and purchase them!

Methodology very generously gave me a code to share, so if you’re ready to try these amazing meals use code AMELIE for 10% off your first order!

Xoxo,

Amélie

Wellness Trends: Cutting Through the Noise

Every couple of months, it seems like there’s a new must-try wellness trend popping up on our feeds. One day it’s celery juice and red light therapy, the next it’s cold plunges, colostrum, or some new “superfood” promising to change your life. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant influx of health hacks, especially when you’re just trying to feel your best, nourish your body, and not spend your entire paycheck at Whole Foods.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good wellness ritual! I’ve done my fair share of trying trends over the years, and I still enjoy many of the popular practices out there today (would you believe me if I told you I made kale chips yesterday? 2011 is back!) But I’ve also learned that if I'm not mindful, it’s very easy to confuse wellness with consumerism or start believing that health is something we have to constantly buy our way into. Those thoughts have been on my mind a lot recently as I’m navigating my own wellness journey. How do we cut through the noise and actually figure out what works for us?

Trend or Truth?

Let’s start here: just because something is trending, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. That greens powder your favorite influencer swears by? Probably not be worth the $50/month subscription. Just eat your fruits and veggies! That 12-step morning routine that promises peak productivity? There’s a really good chance it will leave you burnt out by 10AM. Honestly, I’m tired just watching some people’s routines!

Despite the constant noise, I will say that some trendy things have real merit! I’ve personally tried and loved things like strength training, protein-forward meals, and yes, even kale chips. But the key isn’t what’s trending, it’s what’s sustainable.

Wellness ≠ More Stuff

The truth of the matter is that health isn’t in your mushroom coffee or collagen peptides. Those can be lovely extras, but they aren’t the foundation. Basics such as getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, hydrating enough, moving in a way that feels good, and practicing stress management are what really move the needle.

And yet, these basics rarely go viral. Why? Because they’re boring! They’re not shiny, new, or easily marketable. But they absolutely work, unlike a lot of supplements touted online. Wellness trends can absolutely be fun to explore and experiment with, but they should support your wellbeing, not distract you from it.

The Pressure to Do It All

It’s easy to fall into the trap of “more is better.” More routines, more supplements, more structure, more restriction. Believe me, I’ve been there. But true wellness isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about tuning into what works for YOU. 

Maybe cold plunges aren’t your thing (I’ve never tried one and I vow to never do so, it sounds horrid). Maybe you just can’t get into pilates or strength training no matter how much everyone sings their praises online. That’s okay! Wellness shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. It’s okay to opt out of a trend that doesn’t serve you, even if it seems like everyone else is jumping on it.

How I Cut Through the Noise

Right now, I’m focused on building a routine that’s rooted in how I want to feel. I’m incorporating strength workouts because they make me feel powerful. I’m eating nourishing meals because they help me feel balanced. I’m trying my best to unplug on Sundays to rest and reset. And I’m working to return to intuition and rebuild trust with my body after years of external rules telling me how and what to eat, move, or be.

Some trends will come and go. And that’s fine! What matters is what works for your body, your lifestyle, and your physical and mental needs in this season of life.

So next time you see a buzzy new trend? Pause. Really ask yourself: Does this truly support me? Do I want to try this because it excites me? Or because I feel like I should and I’ve heard about it through 20 different influencers and countless podcast advertisements?

There’s no “right” way to be healthy, and you certainly don’t need to chase every trend to be “well.” You don’t need every product, every trend, or every influencer’s routine. You just need to come back to the basics, trust yourself, and build a life that actually feels good. 

And if that’s not what the wellness industry is selling you, it might be time to unsubscribe.

Xoxo,

Amélie