Clients often come to me after years of “unsuccessful dieting” or weight-cycling, seeking advice about why “My diet didn’t work!”. Once we unpack their diet history, it often becomes evident that they fell into the trap of restrictive dieting to lose weight, only to come off the diet and gain the weight back. This can leave clients feeling frustrated and disconnected from food – the very thing they need to nourish and sustain them.
Through Eat for Well-Being, my goal is to support clients to take a holistic approach to their overall health, move away from restrictive diets, listen to their bodies, and use self-care strategies that support their overall health and wellbeing.
The Problem With Diet Culture
For years, we have been told that improving our health starts with changing our weight. We have been surrounded by messages promising that the “right!” diet, detox, cleanse or meal plan will “finally!” help us achieve “better!” health and confidence.
Yet for many people, dieting becomes a cycle of restriction, guilt, frustration and starting again. The problem is not a lack of willpower or motivation. The problem is that many traditional diets focus on short-term changes rather than supporting the whole person.
A holistic approach to health recognises that wellbeing is about much more than food choices or body size. A holistic approach considers our physical health, mental health, relationship with food, lifestyle, environment, and the many factors that influence our ability to care for ourselves.
Diet culture often teaches us to view food as something to control, and focuses our bodies as problems that need fixing. Many diets rely on strict rules, eliminating certain foods, or creating a sense of success or failure based on what we eat.
While some people may experience short-term changes from dieting, restrictive approaches are often difficult to maintain over the long term. When a way of eating feels unrealistic, stressful, or disconnected from our lifestyle, it can be followed by overeating, feelings of guilt, and a loss of trust in our own body signals.
Food is not only fuel. It is part of our culture, upbringing, memories and celebrations, and it connects us to our families and communities. A healthy relationship with food allows space for both nourishment and pleasure, without fear or guilt.
Health is About More Than Weight
A common belief is that weight-loss automatically equals better health. However, health is complex and is influenced by many factors including genetics, access to healthcare, stress levels, sleep quality, social connection, movement, nutrition and living environment.
As a Verified Provider with Size Inclusive Health Australia (SIHA), I use a size inclusive approach to help my clients find a sustainable way to support their overall health and wellbeing. This approach recognises and respects the diversity of all body shapes and sizes.
SIHA is a non-profit, member-based association that works to foster size inclusive health across Australia. SIHA’s vision is for health systems that enable equitable health outcomes for larger-bodied people, and it provides education, training and resources to support health professionals in providing size inclusive care.
Every body deserves respect, care and access to supportive healthcare. Weight stigma can create barriers to healthcare and can negatively affect people’s experience of health and wellbeing. A size inclusive approach seeks to reduce these barriers and support people of every size to access respectful and appropriate care.
For me, this means supporting my clients to move away from restrictive dieting and weight-focused goals, and towards a holistic approach to health. This may include developing a positive relationship with food, listening to their body’s signals, finding enjoyable ways to move, supporting mental wellbeing, and developing sustainable habits that fit into their individual lifestyle.
A Holistic Approach Supports the Whole Person
A holistic approach to nutrition focuses on building sustainable habits that support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Instead of asking, “How can I lose weight quickly?”, a more supportive question may be:
“How can I nourish and care for myself in a way that feels realistic and sustainable?”
Within this approach to care, this may include:
Eating Balanced, Nourishing Foods
A nourishing eating pattern includes a variety of foods that provide energy, nutrients, satisfaction and enjoyment. Rather than labelling foods as “good” or “bad”, a holistic approach considers how different foods can support individual needs, preferences, culture, budget and lifestyle.
Listening to Your Body
Your body provides valuable information through hunger, fullness, energy level, craving and satisfaction. Learning to reconnect with these signals can help rebuild trust with food and move away from rigid rules.
Supporting Mental Wellbeing
Food choices are influenced by emotions, stress, sleep, relationships and our lived experiences. A holistic approach recognises that emotional wellbeing is an important part of health.
Reducing guilt and fear around food can create more freedom and flexibility, allowing eating to become a positive part of life rather than a source of constant worry.
Finding Joyful Movement
Movement does not need to be punishment or a tool to “earn” food. Physical activity can support strength, energy, mood, mobility and connection. Finding movement that feels enjoyable and accessible makes it more likely to become part of everyday life.
Caring for Yourself Without Conditions
Your health is worthy of attention regardless of your body size, weight or shape. Self-care is not something you earn after reaching a certain number on the scales.
Moving Away From Diet Rules and Towards Wellbeing
A sustainable approach to health is not about perfection. It is about making supportive choices that fit into your real life.
This might look like:
- Adding nourishing foods rather than constantly removing foods
- Creating regular eating patterns that support energy and concentration
- Enjoying meals with family and friends
- Prioritising sleep and stress management
- Moving your body in ways that feel good
- Practising self-compassion when life does not go according to plan
Health is a lifelong journey, and your needs will change throughout different stages of life. The most effective approach is one that respects your individuality and supports your overall wellbeing.
You do not need to wait until your body changes to begin caring for yourself.
True wellbeing comes from building a positive relationship with food, respecting your body, and creating habits that support you physically, mentally and emotionally – for the long term.
If you would like to know more about my approach to health and wellbeing, and how I can support you to start applying this framework, please book a free 15-minute chat or consultation.
