"This diet worked for me in the past..."

How many of us have heard those words—or said them ourselves?

• “When I did keto, I lost a ton of weight. I just need to get back to it.”

• “When I was drinking SlimFast shakes, I was so thin.”

• “I just need to do intermittent fasting again and the weight will come off.”

• “I counted WW points and it worked—I just need to restart.”

As we come up on the new year and resolution season, these thoughts surface more often. I’ve said them myself. But here’s the real question:

👉 If it worked in the past, why did it stop working?

👉 And if it stopped working, did it really ever work?

The Problem With “Getting Back on Track”

It’s tempting to think a diet failed because life got busy or we fell “off track.” But diets aren’t meant to be short-term projects—they’re how we eat every single day.

If a diet requires you to:

• Never eat pizza, bread, or cookies again (sorry, cauliflower crust doesn’t count 🍕)

• Only eat within a rigid 8-hour window forever

• Carry shakes as your meals for life

…it’s not sustainable. And if it’s not sustainable, it’s not a solution. That’s why 80% of weight lost through diets is regained within five years.

Rethinking the Goal

We need to let go of quick-fix diet culture (easier said than done—I know). Instead, ask yourself:

• How can I fuel my body to feel strong and energetic for the long term?

• How do different foods make me feel physically and mentally?

• How do I want to live—not just for the next 30 days, but for the rest of my life?

This isn’t about a “before and after.” It’s about building a lifestyle where you don’t need to start over every January.

And remember: the weight loss industry is worth $160 billion. There’s a massive incentive to keep selling you short-term fixes.

So, What Actually Works?

Here are some starting points that move the needle toward lasting change:

🥦 1. Exercise Common Sense

We already know, deep down, which foods serve us and which don’t. Start there. Pay attention to how your body responds.

🏃 2. Find Movement You Enjoy

Exercise isn’t punishment—it’s a gift. Whether it’s yoga, running, hiking, Pilates (my current obsession), or group fitness, find what feels good. One healthy habit tends to spark others.

🚫 3. Try a Period Without Ultra-Processed Foods

Not as a crash diet, but as an experiment. Notice how your body feels when you eat whole foods instead of Oreos or Doritos. For me, those cravings get weaker the longer I go without.

🍳 4. Cook More, Try New Things

Commit to one new recipe per week, or just one meal cooked at home if that’s where you’re starting. Explore seasonal recipes from resources like Feasting At Home. Make it fun—invite family, friends, or a partner into the kitchen.

🩺 5. Track Health Markers, Not Just Weight

Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar checked. Improving those numbers is more meaningful—and motivating—than a number on the scale.

🌽 6. Make It Joyful

Find the fun in eating for health. Visit a farmers market. Try a new veggie. My favorite dinner is simple: fish tacos on corn tortillas with a crunchy seasonal slaw. Healthy eating should enhance your life, not make it miserable.

The Long Game

As we move into a new year, resist the pull of “the diet that worked for me before.” Instead, focus on building habits that make you feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s not flashy, it won’t promise “20 pounds in a month,” but it will last.

✨ Future you will thank present you for thinking long-term.