Is the Quick Fix Promise Keeping you Stuck

The Time I Tried to Drink My Way to Skinny

About 20 years ago, I decided to do the whole “get healthy” thing. You know, the one where you envision yourself glowing, energised, and strutting around like a goddess who has her life together.

So, in a moment of desperation (or was it inspiration?), I trotted off to see a naturopath. Surely, I thought, a natural health guru would be my golden ticket to health and happiness, right? Wrong.

Instead of a sensible, balanced approach that included eating real food, my naturopath had a different idea. He handed me—wait for it—meal replacement shakes. Expensive meal replacement shakes.

They came in a big, fancy canister with a label that practically screamed, “Trust me, I’m healthy!” Well, what did I have to lose, I thought? Oh, just my money, my sanity, and a couple of dress sizes, apparently.

To be fair, I did lose weight—about 10 kilograms, to be exact. Not that I noticed because I was too busy dreaming about actual food. It was like my taste buds had gone on strike.

Everything smelled amazing, my stomach was growling louder than a hungry lion, and I was surviving on some overpriced chocolate-flavored sludge. Every sip was a reminder that this was not what I had signed up for.

And let’s not even talk about the price. Each time I shook up one of those liquid lunches, I could practically hear my bank account crying out in pain.

I mean, were these shakes made of gold dust? They must have been, given the price tag. And don’t get me started on the perpetual state of starvation. My brain was yelling, “This is not food!” But I kept drinking because, apparently, I had the willpower of a saint (or an idiot, depending on how you look at it).

The thing is, I wasn’t looking for a quick fix. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted real, sustainable change, not a lifetime subscription to chocolate-flavored misery in a can.

Sure, I shed a few kilos, but I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling deprived and broke. That was my wake-up call. Maybe, just maybe, true health wasn't hiding in a shake. Maybe it was about learning to listen to my body, making friends with real food, and finding a way to nourish myself that didn’t involve spending a small fortune.

So, I ditched the shakes and went on a different journey—one that was far more satisfying, both for my stomach and my wallet. And you know what? I found my way to health. Spoiler alert: It didn’t come in a can.

The Illusion of Quick Fixes

Quick fixes are like the bright neon signs of the wellness world, flashing promises of rapid weight loss, glowing skin, and endless energy.

But beneath the surface lies a common problem: these approaches often don't address the root causes of our challenges. When the allure fades, we're left feeling disillusioned, our old habits creeping back in, and the cycle of frustration continues.

Why do we keep falling for these quick fixes? Because they promise an escape from discomfort. We want to bypass the emotional and mental discomfort that comes with real, lasting change. But true transformation isn’t about escaping; it’s about confronting, understanding, and nurturing our relationship with food, our bodies, and ourselves.

The Mindful Eating Difference

Mindful eating is not a diet. It’s not about restriction, deprivation, or counting calories. Instead, it's a practice that invites you to slow down, listen to your body, and make conscious choices about what you eat and why. By bringing awareness to your eating habits, you can start to identify the triggers, addictions, and patterns that have kept you stuck.

Imagine sitting down to a meal and actually savouring each bite, paying attention to the flavours, textures, and smells. Notice how your body feels before, during, and after eating.

Are you truly hungry, or are you reaching for food out of boredom, stress, or habit? By tuning in to these signals, you begin to peel back the layers of emotional eating, making space for healthier choices.

Identifying Triggers and Habits

One of the biggest benefits of mindful eating is its ability to uncover the hidden triggers behind your eating habits. Maybe it's stress from work, unresolved emotions, or a craving for comfort that sends you to the fridge late at night.

By recognising these patterns, you can start to address them in healthier ways—like through meditation, deep breathing, or even a walk in nature.

Mindful eating also helps you to break free from addictive cycles. Sugar, for example, is highly addictive and can create a rollercoaster of energy highs and lows.

Through mindfulness, you learn to observe these cravings without judgment, understanding that they are temporary and don't define you. Over time, this awareness helps you to make choices that support your long-term well-being, rather than reacting impulsively.

Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Change

The beauty of mindful eating is that it lays down the foundation for long-term change. Rather than swinging between extremes of restriction and indulgence, you find a balance that is both nourishing and sustainable.

You learn to trust your body’s natural signals of hunger and fullness, which guides you toward healthier eating patterns.

Long-term change isn't about perfection. It's about progress. It's about building a compassionate relationship with yourself, where you recognise that slip-ups are part of the journey, not a reason to give up.

Mindful eating teaches you to be patient, kind, and persistent—qualities that are essential for creating lasting transformation.

Breaking Free from the Quick Fix Mentality

So, are quick fixes keeping you stuck? The answer is likely yes. But the good news is that you have the power to break free.

By embracing mindful eating, you start a journey of self-discovery, learning to navigate your emotions, triggers, and habits with awareness and compassion.

Remember, real change takes time. It’s not about how fast you can get results but about creating a life that feels authentic, balanced, and fulfilling. Mindful eating isn't a quick fix, but it's a long-term solution that leads to lasting freedom and well-being.

Let’s take the first step together. Start by simply noticing your next meal. Slow down, breathe, and ask yourself: Am I truly hungry? What am I feeling right now? What do I really need? The answers might surprise you, and they just might be the key to breaking free from the cycle of quick fixes once and for all.

If you Haven't grabbed our Mindful Eating Free Training you can grab it HERE

Much Love and Bodily Wisdom

Larissa xx