Why Traditional Weight Loss Advice Doesn’t Work
… and What to Do Instead
For years, we’ve been told that weight loss is all about eating less and moving more. But if it were that simple, wouldn’t everyone have found success by now? The truth is, traditional dieting often leads to frustration, deprivation, and an endless cycle of losing and regaining weight. If you’ve been stuck in this loop, it’s time to take a different approach—one that prioritises nourishment, freedom, and a deep connection with your body.
Ditch the Diet Mentality
Instead of focusing on restrictive eating plans, shift your mindset to honouring your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Diets teach us to ignore these signals, often leading to binge-restrict cycles and feelings of failure. By tuning in and giving yourself permission to eat in a way that feels good, you build trust with your body and reduce the emotional charge around food.
Focus on Nourishment, Not Deprivation
Weight loss doesn’t have to mean cutting out entire food groups or feeling constantly deprived. Instead, prioritise adding foods that make you feel satisfied and energised. Think about how you can incorporate more colourful vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins into your meals rather than what you need to remove. When you focus on nourishment, you naturally create a sustainable and enjoyable way of eating.
Move Your Body for Joy, Not Just Weight Loss
Exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment for what you ate. If you’ve ever forced yourself through gruelling workouts just to “burn off” calories, it’s time for a mindset shift. Movement should be enjoyable, whether it’s dancing, yoga, strength training, or simply walking outdoors. When you focus on how movement makes you feel rather than its impact on the scale, it becomes a lasting and fulfilling part of your life.
Manage Stress and Prioritise Rest
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can make it harder for your body to function optimally, often leading to cravings and energy imbalances. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, and prioritising rest can help your body regulate hunger and fullness cues naturally. When your body is well-rested and nourished, it becomes easier to maintain balance without forcing it.
Trust the Process and Let Go of the Scale
Weight is not the sole indicator of health, and obsessing over the number on the scale can take away from real progress. Instead, focus on how you feel—your energy levels, digestion, mood, and overall well-being. Sustainable changes take time, and your body will find its natural balance when you support it with kindness and consistency.
The Bottom Line
Instead of chasing quick fixes or restrictive dieting rules, embrace a more intuitive, holistic approach. By nourishing your body, moving in ways that bring joy, and listening to what your body truly needs, you create a lifestyle that supports your health without the stress and pressure of traditional weight loss methods. Let go of the rules, trust yourself, and find the freedom to live well on your terms.
Work with me
Does this resonate with you? I’m going to be opening the doors to my 14 Day Make Peace with Your Plate programme soon. In this, I’ll help you to move away from the endless binge-restrict cycle and start to explore what foods nourish you and how you can start to build a better relationship with food and your body. If that sounds interesting, sign up to my mailing list here https://subscribepage.io/OvCEZa to get more info about the dates (when it’s ready).
You can find out more about me and my story on my website https://mrsfnutrition.com/mystory/
Thanks for reading!