I’ve tried several diets over the years, and none of them worked for me long-term. Sure, you see quick results—but the minute you stop, the progress disappears. I was tired of the yo-yo diet cycle and started searching for another way.

That’s when I discovered the Biceps After Babies podcast. The host is a big advocate for ditching the “diet mindset” and focusing instead on lifestyle changes, specifically using macro counting as a tool to reach your goals—whatever they may be.

I dove in: I researched macro counting, worked with trainers who gave me personalized macros, and even took the macro-counting and calculation course offered by Biceps After Babies. It was eye-opening to realize you can lose weight (and keep it off) in a way that feels sustainable. The best part? Once you learn, you don’t have to track forever—you can learn to just “eye it.”

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My Experience with Diet Culture

Before finding macro counting, I had tried it all—from Weight Watchers to the Atkins Diet.

• Weight Watchers: I struggled with the point system. It turned meal prep into a stressful chore, and I quickly lost motivation.
• Atkins: In my early 20s, I cut carbs and dropped weight quickly. But I was miserable—and honestly, so was everyone around me. The fast results weren’t worth the toll it took on my mood and lifestyle.

Looking back, I’ve learned that carbs are not the enemy. Your body needs them—especially if you’re doing resistance training like I am now. I used to believe success meant following the rules to a T, even if it left me miserable. Now, I see success as fueling my body with what it needs—to power through challenging workouts, stay energized during long days at the office, and keep up with my kids’ sports schedules.

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How My Mindset Changed

Instead of focusing on restriction, I now focus on balance:

• I build my plate around protein first, then add veggies and carbs.
• I dial in my macros when I want to lose weight, but ease up when I’m maintaining.
• I still don’t love meal prep (I get bored of eating the same things), but I’ve accepted that a little planning helps me stay on track and shed those stubborn pounds.

Even without tracking every bite, I’ve learned to make smarter choices and trust myself. I used to cut out carbs and devote nearly all my calories to protein, but through trial and error, I discovered I feel stronger and see better results when I include quality carbs.

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Why This Works for Me

Throwing out the “diet mindset” has improved not only my physical health but also my mental health. I’m no longer obsessed with perfection. Instead, I’m focused on:

• Getting stronger in the gym
• Fueling my body properly
• Allowing flexibility without guilt

I know that if I hit my protein goals, I’m giving my body the nutrients it needs for energy and recovery. And yes—I still enjoy chips and chocolate in moderation. The difference now? I don’t feel like I’ve failed just because I had a handful of “junk food.”

This mindset shift has freed me from guilt, given me more energy, and made my wellness journey something I’m excited about instead of something I dread.

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✨ Final Thoughts

I’m not a dietitian—just a woman who was fed up with yo-yo dieting and finally found a sustainable solution. Macro counting helped me change the way I see food, fuel my workouts, and feel good about the process.

If you’ve been stuck in the endless cycle of dieting, maybe it’s time to try a different approach—one that doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love, but instead teaches you how to enjoy them in balance.