Why Fat Loss Programs Keep You Stuck—The Hidden Truth

Did you know that most fat loss program were actually built to fail?

Like intentionally.

It all started with the objective of helping people get healthier and there were many different, well natured approaches out there.

But then something happened…

Companies started to find that when their customers failed… they actually remained a customer for a longer period of time.

And poof.. the diet industry became a multi-billion dollar business that is based on the premise of maximizing the lifetime value of a customer by creating a short-term solution to a long-term problem.

The irony of it all is that it’s not even a hidden agenda. Even Weight Watchers has openly stated that their customers typically can’t make it on their own so they often come back, which is why they have a thriving business.

Fat loss failure = repeat customer. What a lousy model.

It actually goes even deeper than that. As we’ve accumulated more research and data on the psychology of behavior change, we see that these programs actually operate in direct opposition to what works long term.

Most notably, the restriction game. You know, the game where your program tells you all the things you CAN’T do. No carbs, no alcohol, no eating before 12pm.

You may be thinking.. but some of those things aren’t good for me! I should restrict them.

Keep in mind, there’s a stark difference between CHOOSING not to drink alcohol or eating “junk” and feeling like you CAN’T.

Turns out, autonomy is kind of important to humans. Who woulda thunk it?! (Aside from every single psychologist)

There’s a large body of evidence to suggest that successful weight loss clients give themselves unconditional permission to eat or drink what they want. Anything at anytime. That doesn’t mean they do anything and everything at all times. It means they have total freedom to choose.

They make choices because of how it makes them feel. Studies will show direct quotes like “it’s just part of my life” or “it’s just what I do because I feel better when I do it.”

Usually, that’s in reference to healthy habits like eating balanced meals, going for walks, working out, or eating higher protien.

They also report that “nothing is off limits.”

Which is opposed to the philosophy of the diet industry. Which, remember, the goal is for short term success and long term failure to maximize the value of a customer.

The challenge is that we’ve been overwhelmed with messaging that repeats in our subconscious mind. We’ve heard it over and over again whether we realize it or not.

That we’re not healthy enough

That we’re not thin enough

That we’re not fit enough

And the solution is to track macros or cut carbs or fast.

The internal dialogue has to be reprogrammed. The good news is, it doesn’t take as long as you might think. Even though it’s taken you years to get here.. it won’t take as long to find the right path for yourself.

What we’ve found is that 28 days of the right kind of work and you’ll be well on your way. Note: I didn’t say you’ll be exactly where you want to be. But you’ll have everything you need to get there and you’ll actually enjoy it!

This is the exact reason why I begin with building baseline habits for my 1:1 clients. 

We don’t just rush into a “diet” or cutting out things you enjoy.

Believe it or not, this is actually scary for people because they have been programmed to believe fat loss needs to be difficult.

But it often alleviates any anxiety because I can tell you exactly how much freedom and flexibility to utilize while still moving towards your goals. It’s nice to build in the meals and experiences you love so you never feel guilty or anxious.

That’s the first step in moving towards true body change. Then, we make sure that you are staying consistent with your nutrition goals to achieve the body you desire.

The difference in flexibility will depend on you.. your schedule. Your personality also actually gives me insight into the type of protocols that will make you feel your best.

That way, you become one of those successful clients like I mentioned above that says things like “I just do it because of how much better I feel.”

The method I use can change depending on the person. For some, the structure of a meal template gives them peace of mind, but for others, it can cause stress. So we can utilize a flexible food tracking, or a combination of both.

Eventually, we like to move towards having the skill of true habits and intuitive eating because my philosophy is all about long term sustainability.

I also make sure to put focus on your mental health properly and monitor all of the stressors in your life to ensure that your body responds exactly how we want it to. Sometimes this means slowing down and taking things in phases. For example, a phase of habit building, followed by a phase of fat loss.

This approach supports your metabolism as well and allows for the most effortless level of consistency. No more feeling like you’re banging your head against the wall.

Typically, my 1:1 clients lose in the 20-40lbs in 4-6 months, but even more valuable is the peace of mind and mental breakthroughs, along with acquiring the skills they need to be successful forever.