I wish you a very happy and healthy year ahead.

For those new to Eating for You, my mission is to help women get off the dieting rollercoaster and embrace sustainable, healthier eating habits. As a dietitian and mindfulness practitioner with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen countless diet trends come and go—and reappear under new names.

As we step into the new year, many of you may have set resolutions for your health. While I’m a fan of resolutions and have a few myself, there’s one goal I don’t recommend: setting a weight-loss resolution.

Let’s explore why weight-loss goals might not serve your health and wellbeing and dive into a compassionate and effective alternative.

Three Reasons Not to Set a Weight-Loss Goal

1. Weight-Loss Goals Often Rely on Unsustainable and Unhealthy Methods

From restrictive eating patterns to extreme exercise routines, most weight-loss strategies are not designed for the long term.

💬 Key Stats:

• • The average woman tries 126 diets in her lifetime.
  • Fad diets typically last 6 to 15 days.
  • Fewer than 5% of dieters stick to their plans for 12 months; some studies suggest this number is less than 1%.

When diets fail, they often lead to yo-yo dieting, which wreaks havoc on both physical and mental health. My clients often share regrets about ever starting diets.

💡 Client Story:
Annette, a client who had dieted for over 20 years eventually, after much deliberation, decided to have bariatric surgery. But when she started regaining weight, she panicked. Through our program, she finally found peace with food and her body—no diets or scales needed.

2. Weight Loss Doesn’t Guarantee Better Health

Contrary to popular belief, losing weight doesn’t always improve health—and can even come with hidden costs:

• • Loss of lean muscle mass, which supports metabolism and strength.
  • Reduced bone density, especially concerning for women as they age.
  • Nutrient deficiencies caused by restrictive eating patterns.
  • Disordered eating habits that harm overall wellbeing.

💡 Did You Know?
Your body composition matters more than the number on the scale. Losing lean muscle and bone weakens your body and slows your metabolism, making future weight management even harder.

💬 Client Story:
Christine shared that her years of dieting led to obesity and health conditions like high blood pressure and arthritis. Instead of focusing on weight, Christine now prioritises nourishing her body through balanced eating habits.

3. Weight-Loss Goals Can Undermine Self-Worth

Weight-focused goals often create a cycle of guilt, shame, and dissatisfaction.

• • Increased anxiety around food, especially in social settings.
  • Feeling of failure when diets don’t work.
  • Negative relationships with food and body image.

💬 Client Story:
Bronwyn, in her 40s, found freedom from the dieting mindset through our program. She no longer weighs herself and has learned to embrace her natural, healthy body while managing stress without turning to food.

The Alternative: Transformative, Compassionate Goals

Rather than setting a weight-loss goal, consider resolutions that focus on transforming your relationship with food and prioritising your overall wellbeing.

Focus Areas for 2025:

1. Transform Eating Habits
   • Tune into hunger and satiety signals.
   • Gradually let go of restrictive, “all-or-nothing” mindsets.
   • Enjoy comfort foods without guilt.
2. Improve Your Relationship with Food
   • Remove labels like “good” and “bad” from foods.
   • Reconnect with food as nourishment, not a source of stress.
3. Prioritize Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
   • Practice mindfulness to reduce emotional eating.
   • Learn to sit with emotions instead of suppressing them with food.

Key Takeaways

1. Diets Don’t Work Long-Term
   Restrictive eating and weight loss goals often backfire, leading to yo-yo dieting, health risks, and emotional struggles.
2. Health Is About Body Composition, Not Weight
   Focus on maintaining lean muscle, bone density, and balanced nutrition rather than chasing a number on the scale.
3. Your Self-Worth Isn’t Measured by Your Weight
   A compassionate approach to eating and health fosters a positive relationship with your body and food.

Your Next Step

If you’ve been stuck in the dieting cycle, it’s time to take a new approach. Let’s work together to map out a personalised plan that helps you:

• • Transform unhealthy habits.
  • Heal your relationship with food.
  • Prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing.