HEALTH SHRED

For years, I felt trapped in the exhausting cycle of yo-yo dieting. One week, I’d be riding high on motivation, religiously counting calories and avoiding every “bad” food on the planet. The next, I’d be elbow-deep in a bag of chips, wondering why I couldn’t just stick to my plan. Sound familiar?

I was frustrated, defeated, and constantly asking myself, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just have more discipline?” But here’s the thing: It wasn’t about discipline. It was about mindset. And when I discovered the mental shift I’m about to share with you, everything changed.

The “All-or-Nothing” Trap

The first realization that hit me like a ton of bricks was that I had been living in an all-or-nothing mindset. I’d either be 100% on track or completely off the rails. There was no middle ground. And that’s where most of us get stuck.

Life isn’t black and white. It’s a spectrum. And once I understood that perfection wasn’t required to make progress, I gave myself permission to embrace imperfection. A missed workout or an indulgent meal wasn’t a failure; it was just a part of life. Instead of starting over every Monday, I started seeing every moment as an opportunity to make the next best choice.

Practical Tip:

• Adopt the “80/20 rule.” Aim for 80% of your choices to align with your goals and leave 20% for flexibility and enjoyment. Perfection isn’t sustainable, but consistency is.

Reframing My “Why”

When I looked deeper, I realized my motivations for dieting were rooted in shame and self-criticism. I was chasing a number on the scale or trying to fit into a specific size because I thought it would make me feel “worthy.”

The real game-changer? Reframing my “why.” Instead of focusing on what I hated about my body, I started focusing on what I loved about it—what it could do, how it carried me through life, and how I wanted to care for it. My goal shifted from shrinking myself to becoming stronger, healthier, and more energized.

Practical Tip:

• Write down your “why” for wanting to get fit, but make it positive and empowering. For example, “I want to have more energy to play with my kids” or “I want to feel confident and strong in my body.”

The Power of Small Wins

Another shift? I stopped looking for overnight transformations. I realized that the small, consistent actions I took every day were far more powerful than any drastic changes I’d try to maintain. The small wins—drinking more water, getting 10 minutes of movement in, or choosing a side salad instead of fries—started to add up. And with each small win, my confidence grew.

Practical Tip:

• Start with one small habit. Maybe it’s drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or walking for 5 minutes after dinner. Master that, and then add on.

Building a Supportive Environment

I also learned that willpower alone wasn’t enough. I needed to set myself up for success. That meant creating an environment that supported my goals. I stocked my kitchen with nutritious options, planned my meals ahead, and surrounded myself with people who encouraged my journey rather than sabotaging it.

Practical Tip:

• Audit your environment. What’s one change you can make today to set yourself up for success? Maybe it’s keeping a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter or laying out your workout clothes the night before.

This journey isn’t just about weight loss or fitting into a smaller size. It’s about breaking free from the mental chains that keep you stuck. If you’ve been battling the yo-yo dieting cycle, know this: You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re ready to embrace progress over perfection and finally make sustainable changes, I invite you to follow me for more tips, motivation, and support. Let’s create a healthier, happier version of you together. Because you deserve to live a life that feels as good as it looks.

Let’s stop dieting and start living.

Disclaimer:

The information on Health Shred is here to educate and inspire, but it’s not meant to replace professional medical advice. We encourage you to check in with your doctor before starting any new exercise, diet, or wellness routine — everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your health and safety always come first!