Dear Follow-Through: We Need to Talk

I’ve tried a lot of diets.
And the truth?
They all work.

Until they don’t.
Until I quit.
You know what I mean?

I’ve counted points, tracked macros, timed my meals, given up carbs, added more protein, tried fasting, swore off sugar, and even bought the matching containers. And each time, I start off strong…until I get tired of thinking about food all. the. time.

Because I don’t have a problem thinking about food—nope, not one bit.
I can think about food in the middle of a meeting, during a Zoom call, while answering emails, and even while brushing my teeth. I’ve got that talent. 

But when I have to constantly track it, plan it, log it, weigh it—it just makes me think about food even more.
And the more I think about it, the more I spiral into eating things I wasn’t even craving until I started overthinking it.
It’s like trying not to think about a cookie… and suddenly, that’s all I want!

Let me just say it loud and clear (you know, for the people in the back):

THAT’S NOT HELPING -Tell me I'm not the only one here!

Recently, I watched a video on YouTube—because let’s be honest, I’d rather scroll YouTube than watch regular TV any day. (Gardening, health, chickens, home projects—you name it, I’m there.) And this woman, bless her honesty, said something that stopped me in my tracks. I’m paraphrasing here, but it went something like this:

“Meal prepping allows me to stop thinking about food so I can just enjoy it.”

I paused the video.
Then rewound it.
Then just sat there.

Because I’ve hated meal prepping in the past. Like, really hated it.
To me, it’s always felt like a chore, not a solution.
But when she reframed it like that? Suddenly it made sense.
Meal prep isn’t about being obsessive or rigid.
It’s about creating freedom.

So here’s where the challenge comes in—and I’m saying this out loud so maybe you’ll join me:
What if we stopped trying to find the perfect plan and just created a rhythm that helps us do what we already know?
That’s it.
Not perfect. Not trendy.
Just a doable rhythm.

For me, here’s what that looks like:

• I’m walking 4 miles every day before bed—no matter when or how I make it happen, I’ll make it happen.

• I’m focusing on water. And I know this sounds silly, but water has always been my struggle! Thankfully, LMNT has been a game-changer. I love the raspberry and lemonade flavors and can easily get in almost three 40 oz. mugs a day.

• And food? I’m learning to prep simple meals I actually want to eat. Not complicated, just smart.

Yes, I want to lose some weight.
But honestly? It’s so much more than that.
I want to feel good.
Run. Play. Jump.
Why not?!

I don’t need more knowledge—I need more follow-through.
And maybe you do, too.

So let’s make this the month we stop chasing perfect and start doing something.
Let’s eat the food that we know is good for our body, walk like we’re chasing joy, and hydrate like it fuels our future.

You in?