How Failing at Diets Taught Me What Really Works for Weight Loss
Diets are built to fail
Alright, let’s dive in. I’ve failed at more diets than I can count. The cabbage soup diet, the no-carb craze, the juice cleanses—if it was hyped up, I tried it. And guess what? They all FAILED. Not because I didn’t stick to them, but because they were never designed for long-term success. That’s the dirty little secret the diet industry doesn’t want you to know.
Here’s the truth: FAILING at diets taught me more about weight loss than any quick-fix plan ever could. It forced me to figure out what REALLY works. And now, I’m here to tell you exactly what I learned.
1. DIETS ARE BUILT TO FAIL—AND HERE’S WHY
Most diets are like bad relationships—they look good at first, but they don’t last. Why? Because they’re based on restriction, not sustainability. They make you cut out entire food groups, eat like a rabbit, or survive on nothing but shakes. Sure, you lose weight fast, but what happens when the diet ends? You gain it all back—and then some.
The hard truth: Diets don’t teach you how to eat. They teach you how to deprive yourself. And deprivation always leads to failure.
2. REAL WEIGHT LOSS ISN’T ABOUT PERFECTION
You know what I learned from failing? Perfection is the enemy of progress. Every diet I tried made me feel like a failure the second I slipped up. Ate a cookie? Game over. Missed a workout? Might as well give up. That mindset is TOXIC.
The truth is, weight loss isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. It’s about making better choices most of the time, not all of the time. You’re human, not a robot. Give yourself some grace.
3. THE 80/20 PRINCIPLE IS THE KEY
Here’s what works: The 80/20 principle. Eat clean 80% of the time, and allow yourself some flexibility for the other 20%. That means lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats most days—and a slice of pizza or a scoop of ice cream when you really want it. This approach keeps you sane AND on track.
Think about it: Would you rather stick to a realistic plan for life, or keep starting over every time a diet fails? Exactly.
4. STOP OBSESSING OVER THE SCALE
One of my biggest mistakes? Letting the scale control my emotions. Up a pound? Depressed. Down a pound? Elated. But here’s the thing: the scale is a liar. It doesn’t tell you if you’re losing fat or muscle. It doesn’t show the hard work you’ve put in.
Focus on what really matters: how your clothes fit, how you feel, and how much stronger you’re getting. The scale is just one piece of the puzzle—not the whole picture.
5. EAT FOR FUEL, NOT FOR FADS
Every diet I failed at had one thing in common: they treated food like the enemy. But food isn’t the problem—your choices are. The key to real weight loss is EATING THE RIGHT FOODS. I’m talking about whole, nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and keep you full.
Here’s a rule to live by: if it comes in a box or has a list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, don’t eat it. Stick to lean proteins, healthy fats, and good carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa. Simple, right? That’s because it works.
6. ACTIONABLE STEPS THAT ACTUALLY WORK
Ready to stop failing and start winning? Here’s your plan:
Forget fad diets. They don’t work. Focus on building a lifestyle, not a temporary fix.
Track what you eat. You don’t have to obsess, but knowing what goes into your body is crucial.
Lift weights. Muscle burns more calories at rest. The more muscle you have, the easier it is to lose fat.
Prioritize protein. Aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Protein is your best friend.
Be patient. Real results take time. Aim for 1-2 pounds of fat loss per week. Anything faster is usually water or muscle.
7. THE BIGGEST LESSON I LEARNED
Failing at diets taught me that weight loss isn’t about quick fixes or magic solutions. It’s about CONSISTENCY, DISCIPLINE, and MAKING SMART CHOICES. It’s not glamorous, and it’s not always easy, but it works. And it lasts.
Here’s the bottom line: You’re going to fail sometimes. That’s life. But every failure is a lesson, and every lesson gets you closer to success. Stop chasing perfection. Stop falling for fads. Start building habits that you can sustain for the rest of your life.
Are you ready to stop failing and start succeeding? Then let’s get to work. No excuses, no shortcuts—just RESULTS.
Ready to take control of your health and see real results? Subscribe to my newsletter for no-nonsense tips, actionable advice, and the tools you need to crush your goals—no fluff, no gimmicks, just progress. Let’s get started today!