International No Diet Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International No Diet Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International No Diet Day is observed on May 6th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International No Diet Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about International No Diet Day.

📅 What day is International No Diet Day 2024?

In 2024, International No Diet Day is on Saturday, May 6th. It is the 1st Saturday in May; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the fun details and facts about May 6, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On May 6th, observe International No Diet Day by abandoning your weight scales and starting afresh with yourself in the mirror. Society’s impossible standards of beauty and the resulting pressure have caused eating disorders, low self-esteem, bullying, and unhealthy, restrictive diets, especially among women. In 1992, British feminist Mary Evans Young had finally had enough and urged her friends to “Ditch that Diet,” sparking a viral phrase. This global movement has since assisted numerous individuals in fostering healthier connections with food and their bodies. Today, proudly wear a light blue ribbon and embrace the joy of eating a cheeseburger!

📜 International No Diet Day History

Throughout history, people have adopted various eating patterns to improve their health or conform to societal ideals. In 1863, an English undertaker named William Banting introduced the first popular weight-loss regimen known as “Banting.” This diet, which consisted of four daily meals of meat, greens, fruit, and dry wine, continued to be printed and served as a model for popular diets even in 2007.

In 1918, an American writer and physician named Lulu Hunt Peters wrote the first best-selling weight control book titled “Diet and Health: With Key to the Calories.” Her book popularized the concept of calorie counting, which remains widely practiced today. Since then, over a thousand weight-loss diets have been created, with many focusing on restricting calories, fat, carbs, or sugar.

With the rise of media accessibility, including television, advertisements, and the internet, diet culture exploded. Marketers began promoting unrealistic body standards and goals that were unattainable for many individuals. Picture editing and plastic surgery further contributed to the perpetuation of these unachievable proportions. Despite the physical impossibility, societal pressure led many people to go on diets in an attempt to lose weight.

In 1992, English feminist Mary Evans Young had enough of the issues surrounding anorexia, bullying, and body image. She initiated the inaugural No Diet Day, initially intended to be celebrated only in the United Kingdom. However, it gained global recognition and support in the following year. The date was eventually shifted to May 6 to avoid conflicting with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. No Diet Day aims to promote body acceptance and diversity, symbolized by a light blue ribbon. While some eateries may use the day as a marketing tool to promote indulgent food, it remains a feminist milestone and a vital reminder to prioritize health at any size. It also serves as an important platform to raise awareness about the dangers of dieting.

✅ International No Diet Day Facts

🔖 Eggs & Cholesterol
Despite what many people believe, eggs are not actually a source of harmful cholesterol. In fact, they are perfectly safe and beneficial to consume as they typically do not raise cholesterol levels in the body. Numerous studies have confirmed that eggs are not detrimental to heart health and are actually very nutritious.

🔖 Gluten-Free Growing
A lot of people are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon, but it might not be worth it for everyone. Generally, gluten-free diets are recommended for individuals with celiac disease or other conditions that could benefit from avoiding gluten.

🔖 Crash Diets
Very-low-calorie diets, also known as “crash diets,” involve consuming fewer than 800 calories per day. If not supervised, this approach can lead to nutritional deficiencies and potentially even cardiac arrest.

👍 Why Is International No Diet Day Important

What about mashed potatoes? Yes. Brownies? Absolutely. Lasagna? Please sign us up! On International No Diet Day, anything goes, and there is no guilt in eating anything you want. Of course, we love International No Diet Day because it promotes body positivity and self-acceptance, but we also love some excellent cheese fries.

“What do you think would happen if you spent as much time and energy on your careers as you do on your diets?” Mary Evans Young questioned females in 1992. And the woman was correct. Constantly restricting and condemning yourself in the name of a diet diverts attention away from things that have been shown to benefit your life much more than being skinnier ever could.

It might be difficult to love the person in the mirror at times. It has been demonstrated that cultural demands to appear a certain way, particularly for young people and women, take a significant mental toll. The physical ideal society has given us feels unavoidable, from stick-thin models in advertising to ever-present billboards proclaiming the latest fad diet—and many of us weren’t shaped with the same cookie cutter. INDD reminds us that this is fine. Every size and form has its own unique beauty.

🙂 How To Observe International No Diet Day

⚡ Appreciate your body, as it is

⚡ Cook something indulgent
There’s no reason for anyone to deprive themselves of the joy of cooking just because they’re on a diet. Embrace your imagination and create something delightfully wicked in the kitchen. And if you find it difficult to indulge in your diet alone, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a friend to craft the perfect meal. But always remember to savor each bite mindfully, as eating should never be a battle.

⚡ Post your food (and show self-love)
Even if you committed to losing 15 pounds before wearing that gorgeous sundress, wearing it out and enjoying your shape as it is would benefit you and others. Confidence takes practice, and today is an excellent day to begin. Remember, self-love is all mental, not physical, so start today by letting go of beliefs that you’re too overweight or not good enough and begin accepting yourself as you are.

📅 When is International No Diet Day?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Food holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about International No Diet Day. So be sure to check back soon.