Diet Culture Domino

You came into this world

A beautiful being

How amazing!

Only one of you

Only one of me

Mama wonders about your personality

No thoughts of a child hating their body

As you grow up, messages pop up on the tv

Photoshopped images fill your phone screen

The noise gets louder

You used to love your body

Twirling through blades of grass

Riding bikes in the cul-de-sac

Innocent childhood memories fading You start thinking…

“I want to look like this”

You start dieting

Less here

Less there

Parents now scared

Food is our life source

Giving us energy

Not our enemy

Diet culture was the first domino to fall It led you here fighting for your life

With an eating disorder at your side

Diet became mental illness

Impacting so many millions

Tears bursting to eye surfaces

“What do we do from here?”

We can take a stand

Today I will say NO to diet culture

Today I will say GOODBYE to eating disorders I will love my body

I will love me

I will live life

I will be free

Melissa Spratt is a first-time author of My Roots Grow Strong poetry collection. She has personally recovered from an eating disorder and is using her voice for mental health and eating disorder awareness. She is also a former NEDA Jr. Board Member. Melissa started writing for healing and hope. She “aspires to inspire” and break the stigma on mental health. She lives on the Connecticut shoreline in a charming village. Melissa fills up her time and self-care cup with her family and friends, chasing after and cuddling with her daughter, volunteering, enjoying outdoor walks, reading, yoga and gardening. She is excited to share her experiences and poetry with you. Connect with Melissa @melissasprattwrites.com