Why Words Matter
Content.
Firstly, Happy New Year! I hope you’re having an amazing start to 2026 ✨
As I was reflecting on the year that’s passed, and the one ahead, I realised that Substack has become one of my favourite platforms to express myself, share ideas, and connect.
So to everyone who reads my newsletter: thank you. I’m really looking forward to another year together. It genuinely brings me so much joy hearing about the recipes you’ve tried and the conversations these humble newsletters have sparked - I’m so grateful.
A gentle mindset reset for 2026.
To kick off 2026, I wanted to share something I’ve personally found invaluable, and something I see so many of my clients benefit from too.
While it might sound a little woo woo, and its relevance to nutrition might be questioned (I am a holistic-type dietitian), it’s the power of language.
The language we use can drastically influence our subconscious and how we show up in our lives.
Just yesterday, I was in a client session where she shared that in 2026 she was going to put herself first and be “selfish”.
While I was completely supportive of her intention to prioritise her health and wellbeing, I gently challenged the word selfish. Self-care and prioritising ourselves isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.
Many of us have internalised language that frames boundaries, or prioritising ourselves as something we need to justify. So even when we’re making supportive choices, the words we use can quietly colour those decisions with guilt.
While the voice in our mind can feel automatic, our brains are wonderfully plastic. This isn’t about being hard on yourself, but about cultivating a growth mindset that’s grounded and compassionate, rather than critical or judgemental.
I subscribe to Ben Meer’s newsletter, and he recently shared a great system for positive self-talk with some other simple reframes to get you started — you can read it here. Below are a couple of my favourite examples:
Failure —> Learning
Nervous —> Energised
Have to —> Get to
Where are some areas in your life that might benefit from a language check-in or reframe?
Recipe Recommendation. Balsamic Maple Brussels Sprouts.
Honestly, I have no idea how Brussels sprouts earned such a bad reputation, I love them. They’re such an easy and delicious side to pair with a meal.
This recipe works a treat. I served mine with goat’s cheese and slivered almonds, and I’m sure cranberries or currants would work beautifully too. I also omitted the bacon and it was still great - a must-try!
Product Recommendation. Crumble Pan.
Those closest to me know I like to live a lower-tox life where I can. While it can feel overwhelming (or anxiety-provoking) when you think about everything you could change, I’m all about practical steps and starting small.
Last year, I switched to a low-tox non-stick frying pan, and honestly, it’s been one of my best purchases of 2025. If you’re still resetting with the energy the new year brings, replacing any scratched pans with a Crumble pan is a great place to start, in my opinion.
Quote.
To borrow a phrase from military special forces:
“Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”
- I can’t remember who originally said this (my bad!), but I absolutely love it.
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
