How to Live Well in a World of Wellness Trends
It feels like every day there’s a new wellness trend popping up, doesn’t it? And while some might seem appealing, it’s important to approach them with a bit of caution. As someone who has seen countless fads come and go, I can tell you this: just because something works for one person doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.
How You Can Embrace a More Balanced Approach to Health
The pursuit of health perfection can take a bigger toll on your emotional and mental wellbeing than you realise. We often think that by hitting all our health goals—whether it’s losing weight, cutting out sugar, or hitting a daily step count—we’ll feel like we’ve got it all figured out. But the reality is that chasing perfection often highlights everything we think we’re doing wrong.
This kind of mindset can make us forget that wellness is more about balance and less about doing everything perfectly. By taking a more holistic approach to your health—thinking about both your body and mind—you’ll find you’re much more likely to stick with it long term.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
We’ve all seen it: picture-perfect health influencers online, making it look like their wellness routine is flawless. It can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re juggling work, family, and everything else.
But here’s the thing: striving for perfection in health doesn’t just set an impossible standard, it adds unnecessary stress. In my years of experience, I’ve noticed how much stress this can cause for women trying to follow every new trend or ‘rule’. The truth is, consistency is what matters—not perfection.
How to Embrace Your Imperfections
Perfection is often a trap. It makes us overlook the beauty of being human and the fact that we all have our struggles. When you stop trying to be perfect, you’ll find you can actually enjoy your health journey so much more. Embracing your imperfections not only lets you be kinder to yourself, but it also helps you connect with others in a more real and relatable way.
The Mental and Emotional Toll of Wellness Trends
We all want to feel well, but constantly chasing the next wellness trend or 'wellmania' can leave us feeling anxious and inadequate. Wellness isn’t just about having a perfect diet or exercise regime—it’s about looking after your mental and emotional health too.
Wellness Without Health Perfection
The health and wellness industry can often push a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. But what works for someone else may not be right for you, and that’s okay. Wellness isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint; it’s about finding what works for your body and mind.
True wellness comes from taking a creative and flexible approach.
Wellness isn’t a tick-box exercise, and it shouldn’t feel rigid or restrictive. I always remind my clients that wellness is fluid—it’s about doing what feels right for you in the moment, not chasing an ideal.
Stress and Its Impact on Hormones and Gut Health
The stress of trying to ‘get it right’ can have a real impact on your hormones and gut health. This is something I focus on with my clients because balancing hormones and improving gut health is at the heart of how I help women in midlife. When we recognise how mental stress can influence our physical wellbeing, we can make more balanced decisions that support long-term health.
The Dark Side of Over-tracking
While tracking your meals, steps, or workouts can be helpful when starting out, over-tracking can become another source of stress. It can make you hyper-focused on numbers and actually take the joy out of making healthy choices.
That said, in the early stages of working together, I encourage my clients to use a food journal to stay accountable and help me offer tailored suggestions. It’s a tool to help build healthy habits, not something to rely on forever.
What is an Evidence-Based Approach to Wellness?
There’s a growing shift towards prevention rather than cure in the world of health, and I’m here for it. Instead of chasing quick fixes or trends, I advocate for an evidence-based approach that’s personalised to you. This way, you’re focusing on long-term results rather than the ups and downs of short-lived fads.
A Balanced Approach to Your Health
When it comes to looking after your health, it’s important to find a balance that works for you. Rather than obsessing over the details, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate your wins, however small, and always keep an eye on how you’re feeling emotionally too.
Simple, Realistic Tips for Wellness
Set realistic goals: Break your health goals into small, manageable steps that fit into your life.
Practice mindfulness: Taking time to be present can help manage stress and improve your overall wellbeing.
Mix things up: Whether it’s taking a walk, reading a good book, or cooking a new recipe—variety is key to staying motivated.
A Holistic Approach to Health
My nutrition programme focuses on finding your balance, using evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice. It’s about achieving sustainable health and happiness without the pressure to be perfect. Together, we can shift the focus from striving for health perfection to embracing a more flexible and enjoyable approach.
It’s time to stop chasing perfection and start finding joy in the journey. After all, health is about feeling good in your own skin—imperfections and all.
Online Nutrition Advice Across Manchester & Worldwide
I am a BANT registered nutritionist and health coach specialising online nutrition advice for metabolic health and weight loss designed for midlife women. Cheshire Nutrition is based in Altrincham, Manchester. I work online with clients worldwide.
Book your FREE 30-minute online consultation with Lisa to discover how personalised nutrition can help you thrive in midlife!
DISCLAIMER: The content on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on my website.
Wonderful post 😊