Post-Christmas Guilt & failed past attempts
We’re in that awkward period between Christmas and the New Year — where we’ve eaten and drunk more than usual, our bodies feel uncomfortable and tired, and we’re left with a mix of guilt about overindulging and disappointment about how the year is ending.
For many of us, this comes on top of a familiar cycle: dieting, deprivation, and bingeing repeated over months or even years.
It can feel especially disheartening to reach the end of the year without having broken that pattern, despite promising ourselves we would. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone — most people are stuck on this wheel.
One of the biggest mistakes we see when it comes to improving body composition and health is judging ourselves harshly based on past attempts. Instead of using those experiences as neutral information, we fall into self-criticism and punishment — and that only keeps us stuck.
Many people go into January hoping this year will be different. We set goals, plans, and expectations, but often there’s a quiet doubt in the background — a worry that we won’t follow through yet again. What’s important to remember is this: you are not the same person who struggled last time. You grow, you evolve, you learn. You may now have more knowledge, better support, fewer life stressors, or a clearer sense of what you actually need in order to succeed.
“I’ve tried everything!”
So often we hear people say, “I’ve tried everything.” But what’s usually closer to the truth is that the same approach has been tried repeatedly — often one built around heavy restriction, unsustainable rules, and sheer willpower. And when that inevitably fails, the conclusion becomes,
“I just don’t have what it takes.”
In reality, it’s almost never the person that’s the problem — it’s the strategy.
So this year, we invite you to stop letting guilt from past attempts hold you back. Instead, recognise that the way fat loss was approached before may simply not have been the right fit for you — and that a different approach can lead to a very different outcome.
There are a myriad of opinions about the best way to lose weight, and while many methods can work in the short term, most don’t work long term. Sustainable fat loss requires a balanced, healthy plan — one that doesn’t leave you feeling hungry, and one that considers not just food and exercise, but also the often-overlooked elements of emotions, habits, and psychology.
Gemma and I have been helping people lose fat for many years, and about a year ago we realised that while we love working with clients one-to-one, it isn’t always accessible or feasible for everyone. We also felt a strong pull to share what we’ve learned with a wider audience — especially after seeing so many people harmed by approaches we knew were destined to fail.
That’s why we created The Plant-Based Weight Loss Bible. It brings together decades of combined experience and knowledge, covering every key element needed not only to optimise your weight loss, but to maintain results long term.
This is a practical, evidence-based guide to losing fat in a way that’s realistic, nourishing, and sustainable. It covers:
The science of how weight loss actually works
The psychological and emotional factors that can derail progress
The book also includes 45 delicious, completely guilt-free, oil-free, high-protein, whole-food, plant-based recipes, designed to help you feel full, satisfied, and supported.
Happy New Year 🎉
Warmly,
Paul & Gemma
Hench Herbivore
We also offer 1:1 online coaching services and we would LOVE to work with you! If you’re serious about taking control of your health and fitness, please get in touch and book a free call now.
