Hey there. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the whole “if a little is good, more must be better” mindset shows up a lot in fitness and weight loss. We see it everywhere. Restaurants offer upsized combo meals for a few extra cents. Workout programs promise faster results if you just push a little harder or stay a little longer. Diet plans push deeper calorie deficits with the promise of quicker results. It’s easy to buy into it all.
But here’s what I want to share with you. That mindset might actually be holding you back.
If you’re eating in a deficit and pushing your workouts but find yourself raiding the snack cabinet late at night or demolishing a pint of ice cream on a random Tuesday, you’re not lacking willpower. You’ve likely just gone too far with the deficit. It is not about mental toughness. It’s about how you’re setting yourself up. And if you’re consistently putting yourself in a position where you’re starving or overexercised, something has to give.
A 500 calorie daily deficit is usually enough. That amount gives you structure, allows for progress, and most importantly, gives you room to live. Yes, results might come a bit slower, but they’ll come with a lot less burnout and fewer binge-eating episodes. You’ll build a routine that’s realistic for your life long-term.
I’m not saying never aim high. I’m saying know your limits. Push when it makes sense. Pull back when needed. Pay attention to what works in your actual life, not what someone on your social feed says is ideal.
If you find yourself saying things like “I just can’t control myself around certain foods” or “I keep failing on my plan,” step back. Take a look at what you’re doing day to day. Ask yourself, have I pushed too hard? Am I setting myself up to fail?
This process is about long-term sustainability, not perfection. You don’t need to go all in. You just need to stay consistent and make adjustments that help you stay the course.
If you’re ready to build a plan that actually fits your life and helps you make lasting progress, I’d love to support you through The YLF Experience. Let’s work on this together.