September has a very particular energy.

New notebooks. New routines. Fresh schedules. The sudden urge to reorganise a cupboard you've successfully ignored since 2019.

I actually love it... given that I have just last week - in August - embarked on a clothes clear out!

But, much like January, Diet Culture has a habit of inserting itself into our perfectly innocent desire for a fresh start.

After a summer of holidays, BBQs and ice cream, September arrives with one very familiar phrase:

"Time to get back on track."

But... what track?

And, idk about you, did I ever and if so, when, did I come off of it?!

The phrase sounds harmless, but underneath it sits the idea that summer enjoyment was somehow a deviation. That eating differently, moving differently, resting more, or simply having fun means we've been "bad" and now need to restore order.

Suddenly we're meal-prepping our way back to virtue and signing up for fitness challenges because apparently September requires repentance.

There is also something bigger going on here.

Diet Culture loves the language of productivity. It teaches us that a "good" body is one that is constantly being worked on. Improved. Optimised. Controlled.

And when we connect our bodies to productivity, rest can start to feel lazy, hunger can feel inconvenient, and eating for pleasure can feel like something we've failed at.

But your body isn't a quarterly performance target.

You don't need to emerge from summer improved, smaller, or "back to your best."

Maybe September can still be a reset.

Buy the notebook. Sort the cupboard. Start the class. Get back into routines that genuinely make you feel good.

Just remember that you don't need to put your body on the list of things that need fixing.

Because perhaps you were never "off track" in the first place.

Stay vigilant,

L x

P.S. If you are looking to embark on a new challenge this September, I have launched Remote Coaching.

A personalised training program without a side of shame or blame! 🫶🏽