When it Comes To Your Weight, Focus On Gaining, Not Losing

For far too long, women have been taught to measure health and self-worth by a number on the scale or a pants size. We live in a culture that glorifies thinness over happiness, “skinny” over strong, and restriction over feeling well.

And no matter the trend — whether it’s cutting fat, calories, carbs, or portions — it always comes back to less. But I believe we’ve missed the mark.

It’s not about how many carbs you’re eating. It’s about where those carbs are coming from.

Doritos vs. strawberries… Hamburger Helper vs. long-grain rice.

The same goes for fat:

A fast food cheeseburger vs. an avocado… bacon vs. full-fat cottage cheese.

And portion size:

A handful of cheese crackers vs. a generous serving of salmon… A single cookie vs. two scoops of black beans.

See the pattern?

It’s time to stop obsessing over what we need to cut out — and start focusing on what we can add in. Now, let’s be honest — choosing black beans over chips isn’t always easy. (That’s a blog for another day.)

The truth is, the food industry is working against you — engineering foods to be addictive, hyper-palatable, and easy to overconsume.

But here’s where your power begins:

• Make one small swap.
• Choose one whole food you actually enjoy — not processed, bagged, or boxed — and see how many times you can add it to your meals this week.
• Then add one more. And then another.

These truths aren’t revolutionary, and I’d bet most of them sound familiar. But that’s part of the point. Deep down, we often know what to do. What we’re really searching for is an easier path, a shortcut, a version we can put on autopilot.

But your health can’t be automated. It asks for your attention. And you, your body, your mind, your whole self, are worth that effort.

You are worth a few extra minutes a day. You are worth the planning, intention, and investment of energy that wellness requires.

You are worth caring for.

What will you gain?

• More energy
• Better slee
• Fewer crashes
• Greater confidence.

When you start focusing on what you’re adding, not just what you’re losing, your gains can be truly incredible.