Rethinking Health Goals for 2026
Content.
If weight loss goals are already creeping into your thoughts for 2026 - you’re not alone.
I often hear clients say things like:
“I just want to lose x kg this year.”
And while I’m absolutely not here to shut down goal-setting or the desire to feel healthier, I do like to gently pause and ask a deeper question:
What does weight loss actually represent for you?
More confidence?
Feeling stronger?
More comfort in your body or after meals?
A different way to think about health goals.
I love the following visuals from Glenn Mackintosh’s book Thinsanity (a read I often recommend to clients).
He highlight’s the traditional weight-loss model (Image 1), where eating, movement, and self-care come from a place of punishment - rigid rules, restriction, and “earning” results.
Weight loss then becomes the promised gateway to happiness.
What we often see instead?
👉 Unsustainable patterns
👉 A strained relationship with food
👉 Little long-term satisfaction
What if you tried a different framework?
One that:
Takes a holistic, nurturing approach to health (Image 2)
Doesn’t place weight as the only middle-man
Aims directly for what you actually want
For example:
Improved strength
Greater confidence
More comfortable digestion
Better energy day-to-day
✨ These outcomes often matter more and ironically, they’re the ones people stick with.
So I’ll leave you with this question: Are there any non-weight goals you’d like to invite into 2026?
And just to be clear, this isn’t about being black-and-white.
It’s not “ditch the scale forever” or “weigh yourself daily.”
It’s about finding what supports you - physically, mentally, emotionally.
Nutrition Tip. Iron
Ok, this one’s personal. Around 1 in 4 menstruating women in Australia are low in iron - and yes, I’m part of that stat too.
Here are the key iron tips I share with clients (and focus on myself):
Animal-based iron is better absorbed.
Think red meat, sardines, salmon (some of the best sources)
Vitamin C boosts absorption.
Examples include capsicum, tomato, sweet potato, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, lemon
Caffeine inhibits absorption ☕
Including iron supplements - try spacing caffeine 1–2 hours away
Side note: I love finishing my steak with rosemary and smashed garlic.
Chef’s kiss 🤌
PS. You might notice this is a little different from my usual recipe section. I’m trialling an alternating format between nutrition tips and recipes, and I’d love your feedback. Reply anytime and let me know what you prefer 💛
Product Recommendation. The Stock Merchant Sardines
On brand with my iron nutrition tip, I couldn’t help but share my latest discovery - Sardines that actually taste good!
I have already raved about these on my insta stories. I buy mine from Harris Farm.
Quote.
“Awareness is the greatest agent for change”
- Eckhart Tolle
The biggest support you can give is simply sharing it with someone who would love a balanced, gentle take on nutrition 💛
Got a question or topic you want covered next? Leave a comment or reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you! 💌
Till next time,
Jess, Your Balanced Dietitian xx
