I thought I needed to be a supermodel to speak up

“Are you a supermodel? White?   Well, then at least, naturally blond?⁣
If not, come back when you’re - otherwise your opinions/knowledge/research/passions don’t matter…”⁣ ⁣

These were the typical comments I often got in Japan when I called the authorities and influencers about stopping diet culture and creating a safe space for emotional eaters when I became a registered holistic nutritionist back in 2007.

For a long time, being able to openly talk about diets and body images,  I needed to be a supermodel (not even close, I’m 5’2” and shrinking!), Caucasian (the only part it’s white is probably teeth, but not even), or blond (well, I could dye and color my hair, but that would look weird on me).⁣
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Those “requirements” in Japan felt so hard to break ...and still is.⁣
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⁣I’m really passionate about ending diet culture and unhealthy messages toward health from the media, even if they are from my favorite celebrities (then she/he won’t be my favorite anymore), but I struggled to do so for my own culture…..

This is one of the reasons I’m doing my work in English, worldwide. Because, they have been more open to the work I do and they are also good with seeking help. I really appreciate that.⁣ ⁣

“Kanna is reaching from North America to Japan! That sounds interesting, let’s hear what she has to say!”⁣  
Something like that…When I'm well recognized, I’ll more likely to be heard in Japan.
Whatever the way it is, if my voice is heard and more people can be free from diet cycle, be comfortable with their own skin, and live purposeful life happily, then I’ve done my job.⁣
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And maybe, those English speakers I’ve helped can take our messages to their own cultures/languages and together, we can help more people. Creating a ripple effect..that sounds very nice, really nice.⁣
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Do you ever find yourself that you’re just not “qualified” enough to share your passion and belief? How is that serving you? To me, the impact was so huge that I was turning to food to have a sense of controlling my life, and to comfort.⁣
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Do you ever feel that your culture and/or appearance gets in the way to achieve your goal(s), and turn to food to satisfy your cravings (to be heard)?⁣
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Let me know how it went in my FB Group, tag me with a photo of you working on the post on Instagram @HealthCoachKanna), or Email me ([email protected])! 

Cheering on you!
Kanna

Kanna Laird
I’m a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Registered Holistic Nutritionist who has intensively studied Emotional Eating Psychology.  I have recovered eating disorders and emotional eating, and helping others do the same. I offer a deep compassion and love while guiding you to increase confidence in you and showing you  abundant hope and possibilities to change.