Here’s a question I love asking prospective clients:
If you could lose weight on your terms… what would that look like?
Here are some of the most common answers I hear:
“I want to eat and socialize like a normal person.”
“I don’t want to give up dessert, chocolate, or wine.”
“I want to eat the same meals as my family.”
“I don’t want to spend hours meal prepping or obsessing over food.”
What’s interesting is that most people assume the process has to be miserable—
that they have to give up all their favourite foods.
But in my experience, the real issue usually isn’t food.
It’s this:
1. We adopt other people’s thoughts about weight loss.
Other people share their opinions and experiences, and we take them as truth.
Your co-worker swears she had to cut carbs.
Your sister tells you sugar is the enemy.
Instagram is yelling about seed oils.
Before you know it, you’re making decisions based on fear, not what actually works for you.
2. We default to an all-or-nothing mindset.
We think things like:
“I’m not allowed to have that.”
“If I can’t do it perfectly, why bother at all?”
One unplanned snack? Might as well start over tomorrow.
Pizza on a Friday? Guess the weekend’s a write-off.
We talk ourselves out of progress because it wasn’t “perfect.”
3. We underestimate how much control we actually have.
Your thoughts shape your experience.
Small mindset shifts around food or your choices can lead to real changes in behaviour—and results.
4. We make the process harder than it needs to be.
Overcomplicated rules.
Rigid meal plans.
“Healthy” recipes with 17 ingredients.
We set unrealistic expectations that don’t match our actual life…
and then wonder why it all falls apart by Wednesday.
5. We ignore our own wisdom.
After years of being told what, when, and how to eat, it’s no wonder we second-guess ourselves.
But your body holds a tremendous amount of insight—if you’re willing to listen.
Rebuilding that internal trust changes everything.
Yes, expert guidance is valuable.
But ultimately, you are the expert of your body.
The Real Goal
And that’s what we’re really after:
A plan that works—not just on paper, but in real life.
One that supports your goals and your lifestyle.
So you can feel good in your body, without missing out on the moments that matter most.
Final Thought
So let me ask you again:
What does weight loss on your terms actually look like?
Maybe if the process felt more flexible…
More in sync with your day-to-day life…
It wouldn’t feel like such a grind.
Maybe instead of asking,
“Can I stick to this?”
It’s time to ask,
“What would make this feel doable for me?”
You have more say in the process than you think.
~ Elaine
P.S. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels with your eating and weight and ready for a permanent solution, my signature 1:1 program might be a great fit.
This is for you if you desire personalized, high-level support in reaching your weight and body goals and overcoming your struggles with food.
Hi! I’m Elaine, a Certified Nutritionist and Master Certified Health Coach. I support women in achieving their health and body goals while prioritizing a peaceful and balanced relationship with food.
Get a free copy of my handbook!
The Elegant Eating Handbook: Timeless Strategies for Lasting Weight Loss and a Peaceful Relationship with Food.
