How I Stopped Yo-Yo Dieting and Changed My Life

For years, my life revolved around diets and exercise plans. I was constantly on the hunt for the next big thing—something that would finally help me lose weight and keep it off. I jumped from calorie counting to Weight Watchers, then to fasting and back again. And let’s not forget the extreme workout plans I threw in for good measure. I’d lose weight, but it never lasted. Before long, I’d gain it back—and then some. The cycle felt endless, and with every failed attempt, I felt like more of a failure.

Looking back, I see how much of my life I wasted stuck in this exhausting pattern. My days were consumed by thoughts of food and exercise. How many calories did I have left? Would this meal ruin my progress? Did I work out enough to “earn” dinner? I’d plan every meal meticulously and push myself to stick to the rules of whatever diet I was on. But the minute I slipped up, it was game over. I’d tell myself I’d start fresh on Monday, but the guilt and frustration never left me.

I vividly remember the low points. Like the times I’d binge on everything I wasn’t “allowed” to have, then cry because I felt so ashamed. Or when I’d punish myself with extra workouts because I’d “messed up.” I felt like I was in a constant battle with my body, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t win.

The Turning Point

After years of fighting my body, I hit a breaking point. I realised I couldn’t keep living this way. I was tired—tired of the restrictions, the guilt, and the obsession. I finally admitted to myself that diets weren’t the solution. The truth? Losing weight isn’t as simple as “calories in vs calories out.”

The diets and workout plans I’d clung to had left me physically and emotionally drained. My metabolism was a mess, my energy levels were in the gutter, and I felt like I was constantly walking a tightrope. One slip, and everything would come crashing down. There was no flexibility, no room to enjoy life. I was so focused on shrinking my body that I’d lost sight of everything else.

It wasn’t easy to let go of the idea that I needed to “fix” myself. But I knew I couldn’t keep living like this. Instead of trying to control every bite and burn every calorie, I decided to focus on my health. I started asking myself: What does my body need to feel good? And slowly, I began to shift my approach.

Small Changes, Big Impact

One of the first changes I made was with my drinking habits. For years, I drank Pepsi Max like it was water. Multiple cans a day were just part of my routine. The idea of swapping it for water seemed impossible, but I decided to start small. I replaced just one can of Pepsi Max with water each day. At first, it felt like a big sacrifice, but over time, it got easier. And then something incredible happened: I started to prefer water. Eventually, I gave up Pepsi Max entirely, and now I can’t even imagine drinking it. It’s funny to think that such a small change could have such a big impact, but it showed me the power of consistency.

My second step was to move away from low-calorie ready meals and start cooking healthy meals from scratch. At first, it felt overwhelming. Cooking from scratch took more time and effort than popping a ready meal into the microwave. But I focused on finding quick and easy recipes, and the more I practised, the faster and more natural it became. Eventually, cooking healthy meals became a habit—something I could do on autopilot.

Once I got comfortable with dinners, I started making changes to my lunches and snacks. I began swapping out processed foods for healthier options and tweaking recipes to include more nourishing ingredients. Gradually, my body began to change, and so did my life. These small, intentional shifts added up, and for the first time, I felt like I was in control without feeling deprived.

How Healthy Habits Changed My Life

Building healthy habits didn’t just transform my body—it transformed my entire life. Physically, I’ve been able to maintain a size 10 without obsessing over every bite or step. I feel strong, energised, and in tune with my body in a way I never did when I was dieting.

But the changes go so much deeper than that. Letting go of yo-yo dieting freed up so much mental space. I’m no longer consumed by thoughts of food or worried about whether I’ve “earned” my meals. Instead, I’ve been able to focus on things that truly matter to me.

One of my greatest passions is rescuing cats, and shifting my focus from dieting to healthy living allowed me to pour my energy into building a cat rescue. Over the years, we’ve raised over £150,000 to help abandoned cats get off the streets and into loving homes. This work has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, and I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I were still stuck in the dieting cycle.

These habits have given me the freedom to live the life I want. I’m no longer a prisoner to food or the scale. Instead, I feel confident, balanced, and empowered. And the best part? I know this is sustainable. I’m not chasing quick fixes anymore. I’m building a life I love.

Ready to Make a Change?

If my story resonates with you, I want you to know that it’s possible for you too. You don’t have to spend your life counting calories, battling cravings, or feeling like a failure. By focusing on small, sustainable changes and building healthy habits, you can create a life that feels good and works for you.

Want to see how this approach could work for you? Let’s chat! Book a free call with me today to explore how health coaching can help you look and feel your best.

Your journey to freedom and balance starts here. Let’s take that first step together.