Tuesday Tip: The scales have gone up! 😱

Stepped on the scales this morning and seen the number go up? First, take a deep breath. Now, let’s break down what’s actually happening.

# More Food = More Weight (temporarily!)

If you ate more than usual this past weekend, especially carb-heavy or salty foods, your body is likely holding on to extra water. That number on the scale is not fat gain; it’s just temporary water retention and food still being digested.

# Carbs Hold Water

For every gram of carbohydrate you eat, your body stores water. Enjoyed pizza, pasta, or dessert? The scales might reflect that extra water weight, not fat! This isn’t bad and doesn’t mean you should avoid carbs – we need them!

# Digestion Takes Time

The food in your digestive system has weight, too. Had a late-night meal or richer foods? It can take longer to process, which might show up on the scales.

#What NOT to Do

⁃ Don’t panic – A single weigh-in doesn’t define your progress.

⁃ Don’t restrict yourself today to “make up for it.” Drastic measures aren’t the answer.

⁃ Don’t think you’ve ruined everything, because you haven’t.

# What TO Do

⁃ Get back to normal eating. No need for extremes, just return to your usual balanced meals and routines.

⁃ Remember the bigger picture. A single meal, or even a whole weekend, is just a tiny part of your journey. Progress isn’t erased by a couple of indulgences.

⁃ Embrace balance. All foods have a place in a healthy diet, even when fat loss is the goal. Enjoying meals out is part of life because let’s be real, skipping dessert forever? No thanks!

⁃ Use other measures like clothing and it fits, or body measurements to measure progress.

This is your reminder that the scales don’t tell the full story. What matters most is consistency over time, not a temporary fluctuation.

Keep going—you’ve got this! 💪

Happy Tuesday 🤗xx

Tuesday Tip: Insulin Isn’t the Enemy! 🙌🏼

Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about insulin being the “bad guy” and the need to avoid foods that spike blood sugar, even suggesting the use of continuous glucose monitors. But do we really need to worry?

Insulin is essential for life, and the fear surrounding insulin spikes leading to insulin resistance (which can raise blood sugar and increase diabetes risk) is based on oversimplified ideas about physiology and nutrition.

Oversimplification of Food Health

Judging food only by its effect on blood sugar is short sighted. For instance, by that logic a bowl of fresh fruit, packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, would be viewed as less healthy than fried chicken simply because it spikes blood sugar more. Food is more than just its blood sugar impact – micronutrients, fibre content etc matter more. As does the overall balance of your diet – not just one food.

Blood Sugar Response Isn’t Simple

Your body’s reaction to food isn’t just about what you eat. It’s influenced by over 30 factors, including stress, sleep, and activity levels. Eating the same apple on different days can lead to varying blood sugar responses.

Insulin Resistance Has Bigger Culprits

The main risk factors for insulin resistance are obesity and lack of physical activity—not carbs (resulting in insulin spikes). Studies show that replacing carbs with fats to avoid blood sugar spikes can actually lead to increased prevalence of insulin resistance. If you’re not diabetic or prediabetic, obsessing over blood sugar spikes may distract you from what truly matters for your health.

Instead of fearing insulin, focus on the bigger picture. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods, physical activity, and sustainable habits. Avoid expensive glucose monitors or diet fads, and remember that balance is key. Steady, realistic changes always trump fear-based, restrictive approaches.

Happy Tuesday 🤗xx