January Reflections: One Year Of Writing + Diet Culture Thoughts
Dry Jan + Intense Workout Routines are Baked in Diet Culture: Finding Sustainable, Long-Term Habit Changes That Actually Work For You
Happy January -
Now that it’s 2026, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on this past year of this Substack project:
one whole year of conversations (26 recorded, to be exact)
one whole year of writing solo essays every other week
one whole year of diving deeper into the body image realm
It’s my reflection on these solo essays I literally forced myself to write twice a month that has stuck with me the most. Some weeks, the words just flowed out of me; others, it was like pulling teeth to get myself to come up with something to write about. Committing myself to examining this work through consistent writing was not easy - but I’m so proud of myself for sticking with it.
This being said, I’m not exactly sure what the future of this project will hold… but I’m excited to continue to show up for you, for myself, and in honor of changing the way we view our own bodies through this Substack page.
I also want to get more creative and start diving into other concepts, but I want to do so in a sustainable way that allows me to continue to show up and be present with the work.
One year of writing has given me the opportunity to learn and grow and evolve and study the concept of body image in ways that I never would have been able to had I not just done the deep-dive exploration in this format. I have so many ideas to bring you in 2026, and I’m looking forward to wading through the weeds of these topics alongside you all. Thank you for being here.
In Light of January…
I have thoughts on Dry January, the boom of intense new-year exercise regimes, and food restriction that always seem to appear at the top of each year.
I’m all about being a well-rounded, healthy human being. Not drinking too much, eating well, and moving my body are all things I strive to do. However, I’m also not a fan of intense restrictions and
Restricting yourself in such ways can lead to bingeing, over-indulging, and it’s all-around unsustainable from a consistency perspective.
“I’m eating healthy after the holidays”
“I’m not drinking this January”
“I’m going back to the gym 6x a week”
^ All phrases that make me cringe. Not because people are trying to do good or change their lives for the better or make healthier choices for their longevity, but because these lifestyle commitments, for all of 31 days, are not sustainable. (At least in my opinion). I say that because I’ve been there - I’ve been the person trying to make rapid, rash change under intensified circumstances that lead me to burnout, fatigue, and ultimately giving up.
Over these past few years, I’ve tried my darnedest to commit myself to actual practical sustainable lifestyle practices that allow me to A) enjoy my life, B) make good decisions for me and my body, and C) avoid burnout, overindulgence, and mental harm. And guess what? IT ACTUALLY WORKS. Not forcing myself to restrict each January (or at any point in the year - i.e. summer body bullshit talk) has improved my relationship to my body, the food I eat, the way I exercise, and my alcohol consumption.*
Caveat: I share this because this is what I’ve found to work for me and my body and my mental health. I share this in hopes it helps alleviate some sort of stress inside of you for maybe choosing to not do Dry Jan or get into some overly-intense execise routine or not give a f*ck about what you’re eating this January because you don’t want to have to overthink it all. I share this in hopes someone else feels seen in my experience, not to tell you what to do. Take what works for you; leave what doesn’t. And I’m ALWAYS more than happy to chit chat about this stuff because I just freaking love it and enjoy hearing what others have found works for them too.
Regardless of your personal health decisions this January, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the why behind your choices. As long as they resonate for you, are aligned for you, and feel good for you - that’s all that matters.
In body healing,
Megan ❤️🔥
Do you have a friend, family member or peer who might love this too? I’d be honored if you could help me spread the word about my writing and body image conversations!
While I’m not a licensed therapist, registered dietician, or medical health professional and cannot speak to body image topics from a clinical, trauma-informed place, I am an expert of lived experience. I’m an academic of my own body, and I’m passionate about facilitating conversations with other humans about their relationships with their bodies. I believe it’s important to continue conversations about healthy body image in creative spaces as a means to heal individuals as well as the collective whole. But just know the information presented in this medium is not professional mental health advice or medical advice, and any questions or concerns you have should always be directed to your healthcare providers.