For years, it’s left countless women jumping from one restrictive plan to another, always with a promise of fast results but rarely delivering long-term satisfaction or health. But here’s the shift that’s taking place now: more women are stepping away from restriction and choosing sustainable nourishment instead, a shift that’s transformative for body, mind, and spirit.
Let’s have a real conversation about diet culture. Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with clients about diet culture and what they’re eating. But let me ask you this: when you hear the word diet, what comes to mind?
For many, it brings up thoughts of restriction, deprivation, maybe even failure. If you feel this way, you’re certainly not alone.
Many of my clients feel that the word “diet” has taken on a reputation of being restrictive and unsustainable.
In my 30 years as a naturopath and biochemist, I’ve seen firsthand the harm that restrictive diets can cause.
These diets deplete the body, robbing it of essential nutrients and impacting on the mental well-being of those who follow them. They’re unsustainable, often promising quick fixes but failing to deliver lasting, healthy results.
In the end, this approach can leave you feeling isolated, like you’ve failed, while also disrupting your hormones, weight, energy levels, and overall health.
It’s time to leave restrictive diets behind. Instead, let’s open a new conversation—one focused on nourishment.
Instead of focusing on what to cut out of our diet, let’s shift our perspective.
Often, when we remove something from our diet, we become fixated on it. You might find yourself constantly thinking, ‘I can’t have chocolate’ or ‘I can’t enjoy my favourite foods’. This pattern is similar to telling a child they can’t have something—suddenly, that’s all they want. The same psychology applies to us.
So, let’s change the narrative……
Rather than asking, ‘What should I eliminate from my diet?’ Let’s ask, ‘What can I add to my eating plan to nourish and support my body?’ This approach invites choice and abundance, proven to lead to sustainable, long-term outcomes.
Restrictive diets, whether for fitness, weight loss, or health goals, often are devoid of the essential nutrients our bodies need to thrive.
However, when we focus on nourishment—eating a variety of colourful, whole foods—the body receives vital proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. These nutrients support not only a healthy body but also balanced energy, stable hormones, and optimal weight.
Restrictive or fad diets are often a struggle because they’re designed to deliver quick results rather than long-term health benefits.
I find many people today are seeking quality of life and longevity, yet fad diets rarely provide that lasting impact.
Instead of constantly starting, stopping, and feeling defeated by these diets, try shifting your perspective—realise that it’s not you who failed; rather, the diet failed you.
Turning toward nourishing, balanced eating plans can be both sustainable and satisfying.
Sustainable health isn’t about a 6-week challenge, or a 30-day quick fix. It’s about developing a lifelong, supportive, and enjoyable relationship with food. When you focus on nourishing your body, you welcome a variety of foods you truly enjoy, opening up more choice rather than restriction.
This includes whole foods like fresh salads, fruits, vibrant veggies, and protein sources—whether plant-based or lean animal proteins. And yes, even an occasional indulgence can have its place in a nourishing eating plan. This approach provides your body with what it needs, free from guilt, shame, or feelings of failure.
Why incorporate a nourishing eating plan…
Many of my lovely clients who embrace a nourishing eating plan find themselves naturally starting to crave healthy foods. They begin choosing whole, nutrient-rich options because they feel better eating this way. They reach their health goals without unnecessary complexity or restriction.
Incorporating nourishing foods doesn’t just boost energy; it supports your hormones, immune system, optimal weight, gut health, and sustained energy levels. It even benefits mental well-being, freeing you from the shame and guilt often tied to restrictive diets. Instead, you feel empowered, clearer-headed, and experience less brain fog.
So, ask yourself today: ‘What can I eat to nourish and support my body?’
Consider adding one whole food that brings vitality and nourishment into your life and leave behind restrictive dieting for a more sustainable approach to health.
I’d love to know your thoughts! ‘What nourishing change will you make today to support your health?’ Message me via my socials (FB, IG) and let’s chat!
By making these choices, you’re not only enhancing your health goals but also building the foundation for lasting energy, well-being, and longevity.
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This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
