79. Breaking Free from the Chains of Diet Culture: A Journey to Healing and Empowerment

Welcome to Dismantling Diet Culture: F*ck Being Calladita

Today, I had the privilege of discussing a crucial, yet often overlooked topic with guest Sima Al Safadi, is a Syrian American Registered Dietitian and intuitive eating counselor currently residing in the suburbs of Illinois. Sima was born in Kuwait but she’s lived in different parts of the world, Syria, Saudi Arabia, France and most recently in the US.

Our dialogue shed light on the insidious impact of diet culture, a subject close to both our hearts, and a prevalent issue sweeping across continents from the U.S. to the Middle East.

A significant part of our discussion focused on the alarming spread of Western diet culture across the globe. Sima illustrated how upon her return to Saudi Arabia, the rampant dieting trends and body image issues prevalent in the U.S. had begun making their mark even on Middle Eastern soil. This cultural infiltration fosters a sometimes toxic environment where personal worth is unnecessarily tied to physical appearance.
Breaking free from the clutches of diet culture is no straightforward task—it’s a battle against deeply rooted norms and personal insecurities. However, with continuous dialogue, education, and a supportive community, we inch closer each day to healthier, happier societies. Let’s embrace this journey with open hearts and minds ready to unlearn, learn, and heal.

Follow Sima @mom.dietitian

---------------------------------

I would greatly appreciate if you can leave a review for this podcast Dismantling Diet Culture: F*ck Being Calladita on⁠Apple Podcasts⁠!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok @⁠drhortenciajimenez⁠and visit⁠www.hortenciajimenez.com⁠

----------------------------------

Dismantling Diet Culture: Fuck Being Calladita, is the only spanglish anti-diet podcast where your host Dr. Hortencia Jimenez shares her personal experience with diet culture, tips and strategies and education content to help you understand diet culture and systems of oppression so that you can have the tools to challenge diet culture. Current and future generations do not deserve to inherit your diet culture trauma and I’m here to help you. If you are on a mission to heal body and food traumas and embody your authentic self unapologetic, welcome to Dismantling Diet Culture: Fuck Being Calladita

----------------------------------

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute therapy or medical advice. Please speak with a licensed therapist if you experience trauma triggers or a registered anti-diet dietitian with any nutritional questions.