Health is often perceived as a journey people either fully commit to, explore tentatively, or avoid entirely. In this landscape, health-related conversations can sometimes become divisive. Those who are actively engaged might question why others are not—"Why not take better care of yourself?" Meanwhile, those less involved might find the entire discourse overwhelming, unappealing, or even judgmental.

Shift the focus

When I look at the wellness space, I see an overemphasis on specific body ideals—images of "before and after" transformations that suggest we're not good enough as we are.

The pressure to be toned, slim, and radiant with perfect skin and hair can be both aspirational and alienating. While some find motivation in this approach and achieve remarkable goals, others feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or excluded. For many, this ideal seems unattainable, leading them to disengage entirely.

What if we shifted the focus from outward appearances to inner well-being? Imagine prioritising how we feel—mentally and emotionally—over how we look. By cultivating a calm mind, self-respect, and self-love, we create space for true transformation. This isn’t about conforming to external ideals but about nurturing a sense of security and self-acceptance. Isn’t it time to move beyond the "playground politics" of appearance-based validation, even as adults?

I believe nutrition and lifestyle should be inclusive, fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome. The focus shouldn’t be on achieving the "perfect" body but on building mental and emotional resilience. By embracing this approach, we can support one another in flourishing as individuals, valuing the stories and contributions we each bring to the table.

In my practice, I have chosen not to prioritise weight loss or body image goals. Instead, I focus on helping clients align their inner well-being with their outward experiences. When we address our internal needs—whether through better nutrition, mindfulness, or self-care—the external naturally reflects our best selves. This might mean waking up feeling energised, handling life’s challenges with greater ease, or simply feeling that life is working for us rather than against us.

Of course, nutrition and lifestyle alone won’t solve all of life’s challenges. However, a foundation of health and well-being can make navigating daily struggles significantly easier.

Ultimately, the world of nutrition should be an open, warm, and non-judgmental space. It should invite everyone to explore how improved nutrition and lifestyle choices might enhance their lives—free of pressure, free of judgment, and full of support for wherever they are on their journey.

A Brief Look at the History of Nutrition

It’s important to remember that our understanding of nutrition is relatively new. The term vitamin was first coined in 1913, and Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) didn’t exist until the 1930s and now in the UK they are known RNIs (reference nutrient intakes). Our grandparents—and for some of us, our parents lived on simple diets without the guidance of nutritional science.

However, their lifestyles were naturally more active. Housework was physically demanding, cars were a rarity, and the first supermarket didn’t appear in the UK until 1948. Today, the way we live has shifted dramatically in a short span of time.

Modern Challenges in Nutrition and Health

The modern food landscape is complex. Unhealthy foods are often cheaper, more accessible, and even addictive, depending on an individual’s emotional circumstances, susceptibility, or life situation. Financial constraints, for example, often force people to prioritise quantity over quality. When families rely on food banks, they don’t have the luxury of turning away items that may not be nutritionally ideal. Food deserts—areas where fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce—further limit options.

Beyond Economic Barriers

Economics is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider the pervasive influence of advertising. Young people are bombarded with messages promoting energy drinks, often high in sugar and highly addictive. Even I sometimes find myself drawn to their appealing packaging! Growing up, many of us thought we were invincible, so we ignored the impact of these choices on our health.

Then there’s the issue of food addiction. Yes, that’s real. Our brain’s reward system, driven by dopamine, plays a significant role. Certain foods can trigger a dopamine response, making them “feel good” to eat—especially for individuals with ADHD or similar conditions. For them, it’s not necessarily about the food itself but the dopamine reward they receive.

The Role of Movement and Motivation

The lack of physical activity can create its own cycle. When exercise is ignored or deprioritised, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the motivation to start. Some individuals carry negative memories of being shamed at school for their perceived lack of athletic ability, which creates further resistance to incorporating movement into their lives.

Health from a Place of Compassion

Wanting others to be healthy should always come from a place of love, compassion, and a desire to help them live their best, happiest lives. The moment judgment enters the equation, it polarises opinions and alienates people.

Public health messaging often places the responsibility for health entirely on individuals. While this might be achievable under ideal life circumstances, it becomes much more complex when we factor in financial hardship, food accessibility, emotional well-being, and social pressures.

A Healthier, More Understanding Future

To truly encourage better health outcomes, we need to create an environment that is understanding, supportive, and free of judgment. We must acknowledge the challenges individuals face while providing resources, education, and opportunities to help them make positive changes.

The journey to health and nutrition is personal. It’s not about perfection; it’s about exploration, progress, and finding what works for each individual. Let’s make this journey one of kindness and inclusion, not shame or exclusion.