7 reasons your nutrition struggles aren’t what you think.
Mar 24, 2025
If you’re struggling with your health, energy, or weight, you might think you just need more willpower, fewer calories, or expensive superfoods.
But what if your biggest nutrition problem isn’t what you think?
Let’s break down some of the biggest misconceptions that might be holding you back—and what to do instead.
1. It’s not a lack of willpower.
If you constantly battle cravings and hunger, it’s not because you’re weak—it’s because your body isn’t getting what it truly needs.
When you eat enough protein, healthy fats, and fibre (from salad and veggies), your hunger naturally regulates, and cravings fade.
Yes, a certain level of discipline is needed so that healthy habits become habits but the real key is giving your body the right fuel and enough of it so that willpower isn’t the main thing keeping you on track.
2. It’s not about calories in, calories out.
For years, we’ve been told that weight loss is simple: burn more calories than you consume. But the truth is, hormones—especially insulin—play a bigger role in fat storage than calories alone.
Eating a diet high in sugar and processed carbs (the more correct term is starches) keeps insulin levels elevated, driving weight gain, brain fog, moodiness and sluggishness.
On the other hand, calories from protein, fat, and fibre don’t spike insulin, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight without starving yourself.
3. It’s not about eating less.
You don’t need to eat tiny portions or constantly feel deprived to get results, in fact this can sometimes be a detriment to your health goals.
It’s about eating smarter, not less. If you focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods like proteins, good fats, and fibre-rich vegetables, you’ll naturally feel satisfied while giving your body the ability to remain strong, energised and powerful.
Restrictive diets only lead to binge eating later—filling up on the right foods means you don’t have to rely on willpower to keep going.
4. It’s not about drinking endless green smoothies.
Green smoothies have their place, but drinking them all day won’t magically fix your nutrition. Many store-bought or homemade smoothies are high in sugar, low in protein, and lacking in essential fats—leading to blood sugar crashes, gall bladder issues and hunger soon after.
Spinach is also full of oxalates so we don't want to be drinking loads of it raw anyway.
Instead of focusing on liquid meals, prioritise balanced whole foods that keep you full and energised like nuts, avocados, berries, veggies, meat and fish.
5. It’s not that you can’t afford it.
Clean eating is often seen as expensive, but in reality, whole, unprocessed foods are usually cheaper than processed, packaged, and takeaway meals. If you need to set aside a budget for groceries do this, plan ahead, batch prep meals and stick to the outside edges of the supermarket.
Buying meat, eggs, vegetables, and pantry staples like olive oil, nuts, and seeds can be very cost-effective and they fill you up. Plus, investing in your health now saves money on medical bills and low-energy days in the future.
6. It’s not that you don’t have time.
If you think you’re too busy to eat well, a little meal prep can change everything. Spending an hour planning and prepping food—like washing and chopping veggies, cooking protein in bulk, or making a simple dressing—means healthy meals are always within reach.
Eating well doesn’t have to be time-consuming when you have a simple system in place.
And here's where the discipline kicks in. You actually do need to take action and if you said that you are going to do it, do it. And trust me - don't wait for motivation!
7. It’s not about avoiding all your favourite foods.
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love. When you prioritise protein, fibre, and healthy fats, your body naturally stays full and satisfied, making it easier to enjoy treats in moderation without derailing your progress. The key is balance, not restriction.
As a very reputable Townsville Nutritionist, I have no problem going out to dinner with friends, having a piece of birthday cake or some chocolate now then, because I know that 80-90% of the time my diet is bang on what my body wants.
Let's go!
So..... If you’ve been struggling with nutrition, it’s not because you’re lazy, lack willpower, or don’t have enough time or money.
- The real issue is often a lack of proper nourishment, blood sugar imbalances, and confusion about what actually works, because there are so much incorrect advice out there.
- When you focus on protein, fibre, and healthy fats, balance your blood sugar, and simplify your approach, everything changes.
- I do offer 20 min free consultations to people who are serious about getting results because that is what I pride my business on.
- So if you are ready to make incredible changes to the way you feel and discover how to eat smarter, not less, book your free call below this email and I'll see if I can help you.
Warmest regards,
Kate x