The Habit That Disappeared (and What It Taught Me)
Content.
A few days ago, I was chatting with my husband and he mentioned he’d completely dropped off reading.
When I asked why, his answer surprised me a little - he just wasn’t enjoying the books he was reading.
Something that used to be a nightly habit quietly disappeared once the enjoyment was gone.
And it got me thinking…
I see the same thing happen all the time with health habits.
Clients wake up early for gym classes they don’t enjoy, fuelled by motivation and good intentions. But the moment life gets busy — work ramps up, they get sick, or routine is disrupted — the habit falls away.
Not because they’re “unmotivated”…
But because it was never enjoyable to begin with.
Now, true to my nature, I don’t believe everything in life has to feel fun all the time. As adults, sometimes we do have to push through things we don’t love.
But when it comes to habits we want to sustain, enjoyment matters more than we give it credit for.
For me, you’ll rarely find me voluntarily at a HIIT class.
But if my sister Stef comes along — and we grab breakfast or coffee afterwards — suddenly I’m far more motivated to go.
With clients, this might look like:
Pairing a daily walk with a favourite podcast or audiobook
Choosing movement that feels good enough, not perfect
Even something as simple as new workout clothes that make it feel more fun
Because sometimes, it’s the small layer of enjoyment that keeps a habit alive.
So I’ll leave you with this gentle reflection:
Is there something in your life right now that you’re pushing through - that might benefit from adding just a touch more enjoyment?
Pictured. Breakfast post-gym with Stef.
Recipe Recommendation. Greek Chicken Meatballs
Such a beautifully balanced, no-fuss recipe - and a reminder of how quick meatballs are to make.
I had this on the table in under 20 minutes. Full transparency: I skipped the tzatziki and used Greek yoghurt instead (still delicious). But if you’ve got the time, the tzatziki and feta in the salad absolutely takes things to the next level.
Highly recommend.
Credit to Giuliana Perrone (my other sister haha) who discovered this gem!
Product Recommendation. The Natural Stock Co. Chicken Stock Concentrate.
I use chicken stock often, but used to hate wasting leftover stock (and don’t have freezer space for leftovers 🙃).
This has been a great swap: easy to make up, minimal ingredients, and big flavour.
A simple staple if you cook regularly.
Ingredients list: Vegetables (celery, carrot, onion, garlic, herbs) 55%, chicken 22%, WA lake salt, apple cider vinegar, spices.
Quote.
The grass is greener where you water it.
- Niel Barringham.
The biggest support you can give is simply sharing this newsletter 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
