The Mental Block of Starting: Why Nutrition Feels So Hard (and How a Coach Can Help)

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “failed” at nutrition, you’re not alone. So many women avoid making changes to how they eat because they’re afraid of messing up- again. Maybe you've tried strict meal plans, cutting out food groups, or following complicated rules, only to find yourself right back where you started.But what if the real issue isn’t failing… but expecting perfection?

We meet a lot of people for the first time during something we call a No Sweat Intro. There’s no workout. No pressure. Just a simple sit-down to chat. It’s your chance to troubleshoot, to unpack what’s going on and why you’ve walked through the gym door.And usually, that comes down to one (or more) of three things:Mentally, you’re not feeling great.Physically, you can’t do what you used to — or what you want to.You avoid mirrors because your body doesn’t feel like yours anymore.None of those are fun to say out loud. But they’re real. And we hear them all the time.

Every time a new diet trend pops up, it promises the same thing: fast results, minimal effort, and a totally new body in a matter of weeks. and every time, we want to believe it.maybe you’ve tried cutting carbs, fasting, meal replacements, or that “one weird trick” from a magazine. and maybe it worked… for a while. But then? the weight crept back, the cravings kicked in, and you ended up right where you started—frustrated and wondering why you can’t just stick to something.If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: it’s not your fault. The system is broken.

When Nicole joined Function Fitness, she was eager to get back into exercise but felt a little nervous. "I finished my Fundamentals in December and was so excited to get back into any form of exercise. I was nervous to start with, as I'd mainly done running prior to joining the gym." Like many new members, she wasn’t sure what to expect, but she knew she wanted to improve her fitness and running—and she was ready to put in the work.

You’ve been making all the decisions all day.. It’s time to relax. We’ve been in the gym game since 2012.Looking back, the most successful era of my own training was in those early days, when we all trained together. Coaches, mates, all pushing each other through hard workouts.We were pretty naive, but we trained hard and had a laugh doing it.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Well, I already ate something ‘bad,’ so the whole day is ruined…” you’re familiar with the all-or-nothing mindset around food. This way of thinking makes eating feel like walking a tightrope where any slip means failure. And honestly, it’s exhausting and discouraging. Here’s the thing: food doesn’t have to be “all or nothing,” and overcoming that mindset is key to a balanced, sustainable approach to nutrition.

Most people get caught up in the idea that they need to find the perfect plan to reach their goals. They jump from one diet to the next, or try to work out seven days a week.And while these things might work in the short term, the real secret to lasting weight loss isn’t some magical food, a perfect workout routine, or even a trendy diet. It’s consistency.

Ceri’s journey at Function Fitness is a special one. Not just because she’s my wonderful wife, but because she’s lived through almost every stage of fitness that we help people with - from casual gym-goer to weightlifting enthusiast, through pregnancy and postnatal recovery and now training for a half Ironman. Watching her evolve over the years has been nothing short of inspiring, and I wanted to share her story.

If you’re a woman in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, you’ve probably noticed your body changing in ways you didn’t expect. Weight gain around the middle, fatigue, and that feeling that no matter what you try, the scale won’t budge. Sound familiar? These changes are often tied to shifting hormones during perimenopause and menopause. But here’s the good news: strength training can help you regain control, boost your energy, and support long-term health.

When Joshua joined Function Fitness five months ago, he was battling anxiety that had held him back from many things—including working out. “I’ve always battled with anxiety that has stopped me doing many things, including working out. The team and everyone is so kind, funny, and welcoming that it really helped me overcome this first step. Even after I left the first session green.”

As we age, we often focus on the things we can see changing, wrinkles, grey hairs, and those few extra pounds. But one of the most important changes happening in your body isn’t as visible: it’s the gradual loss of muscle mass. As early as our 30s, we start to lose muscle at a rate of 3-8% per decade, a process called sarcopenia. But don’t worry - there’s good news! Maintaining and building muscle is one of the most powerful ways to increase your longevity, and protein plays a crucial role in making it happen.

When it comes to nutrition, most women I work with aren’t failing because they lack willpower or motivation. The real problem? They’re stuck in patterns that aren’t serving them—habits that feel helpful but actually make progress harder.

When Sandie Brown first walked through the doors of Function Fitness in July 2021, she was stepping into unfamiliar territory. A Pilates instructor by background, she had built strength in a different way, but she was looking for something more. As she approached a milestone birthday, she wanted to feel stronger in a new way—beyond Pilates strength. She also wanted to look and feel her best for a big celebration.

As the days get longer and the winter layers start coming off, there’s something about spring that makes us crave a fresh start. We declutter our homes, swap out heavy jumpers for lighter clothes, and open the windows to let in fresh air. So why not do the same for your diet?

For years, snacking has been painted as the villain in weight management. “Avoid snacking if you want to lose weight.” “Snacking will ruin your metabolism.” Sound familiar? The truth is, snacking isn’t the enemy - mindless snacking is.

You’ve had a long, exhausting day. You’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or drained. Before you know it, you’re reaching for chocolate, crisps, or a glass of wine. Sound familiar?Emotional eating—using food to cope with stress—is common, especially for women navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. The problem? It’s a temporary fix that often leads to guilt, weight gain, and feeling even more out of control.But the good news is, you can break the cycle.

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feel like your body is changing in ways you don’t recognise, you’re not alone. Many women notice weight creeping up—especially around the midsection—despite eating the same way and exercising just as much. It’s frustrating, but it’s not your fault.Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, brings hormonal shifts that affect metabolism, appetite, and body composition. The good news? Nutrition can play a powerful role in managing these changes.

At Function Fitness, every journey begins with a single step. For Ravi, that step was taken just over 12 weeks ago, unsure of whether he would enjoy the experience. Fast forward three months, and he has not only embraced the challenge but also seen incredible results in his strength, fitness, and confidence.

Every January, the cycle begins: big goals, ambitious resolutions, and the hope that this will finally be the year you stick to your plans. Fast forward a few weeks, and for many of us, life gets busy, motivation wanes, and those good intentions fall by the wayside.

Eating healthy often feels like an uphill battle, especially when life is busy, and motivation is low. But if you dig a little deeper, many of the barriers we face are built on excuses that, with a shift in mindset and strategy, can be overcome. Let’s tackle the most common excuses about eating healthy and explore practical solutions to help you stay on track.

When Caroline first walked through the doors of Function Fitness in August 2024, she was filled with anxiety. She recalls,“I felt very anxious and wasn’t sure if I’d stay. The first lesson was a very nervous one, so I hid at the back of the room,” But what started as a tentative step into something new quickly blossomed into a transformative journey of strength, resilience, and confidence.

For many women in their 30s-40s, and beyond, changes in hormones during peri/menopause can make maintaining energy and managing weight feel like an uphill battle. Traditional calorie counting can add more stress to an already demanding stage of life, and it’s often unsustainable in the long run. The good news? You don’t need to count calories to nourish your body well and support your health. Creating a balanced plate can be simple and effective, and it doesn’t involve a single calculator.

January often feels like a whirlwind. Between getting back to routine after the holidays, setting new goals, and juggling daily responsibilities, meal prep might be the last thing on your mind. But what if I told you it could actually save you time, reduce stress, and help you feel more energised all month long?

At Function Fitness, every member’s journey is unique and inspiring. Today, we’re celebrating the incredible progress of Ana, who joined us just nine weeks ago in October 2024. From the moment she stepped through our doors, Ana’s determination to transform her health and fitness has been nothing short of amazing.

It’s January. A fresh start, a clean slate, and the perfect time to prioritise your health. But let’s be honest, how many times have you set big goals for the new year, only to feel overwhelmed and fall back into old habits by February?

If you’ve been frustrated lately because your old go-to health strategies just aren’t cutting it anymore, you’re not alone. Maybe you had a routine that worked wonders a few years ago - whether it was a specific diet or workout regimen - but now, despite your best efforts, the results just aren’t there. What’s the deal?

Trying something new can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to tools that give us insight into our bodies. If you’ve heard about our new InBody Scanner and are feeling a bit apprehensive, don’t worry! Let me walk you through what it is, why it’s an incredible tool for your health journey, and how it can help us fine-tune your nutrition and fitness goals.

When Jane first walked through the doors of Function Fitness in July, she never imagined how transformative her journey would be. At 50, she’d never set foot in a gym before. The thought of entering a space she imagined filled with ultra-fit gym-goers was terrifying. But the stiffness in her joints, the breathlessness from climbing stairs, and the realisation that she was struggling to keep up with her family during outings motivated her to take the leap.

The New Year is almost here, and with it comes the promise of fresh starts. But if you’ve spent years jumping from one diet to another, only to feel burnt out and frustrated, let me introduce you to something better.

This time of year is filled with joy, celebrations, and, let’s face it - a lot of food. Between parties, shopping, traveling, and family commitments, it’s easy for nutrition to take a back seat. But staying on track doesn’t mean skipping your favorite treats or obsessing over every bite. With a little planning and a flexible approach, you can enjoy the season while still feeling your best.

What do coaches actually get up to in December? We’re social creatures, after all. When everyone else is catching up with friends, we’re losing ours! We thrive on fist bumps, pep talks, and the joy of watching you crush it. But come December, tumbleweeds roll through the gym. Suddenly, we’re all alone… 🎶 There’s no one here beside me 🎶 (Shrek fans, you get it!)

Quick-fix diets promise fast results with minimal effort, which is why they’re so tempting. Whether it’s a 30-day detox, a juice cleanse, or a low-carb plan, the idea of rapid weight loss draws people in - especially those who’ve struggled for years trying to find something that works.

When Rachel walked into Function Fitness for the first time, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Winning a spot in a six-week challenge in the summer of 2023 felt like luck - but it also came with nerves. She didn’t know anyone, hadn’t been a fan of exercise and carried memories of hating PE at school.

Should I Be Worried About My Nutrition When Christmas Is Only 4 Weeks Away, or Should I Start Again in the New Year?

Has your age got you questioning whether you should be focusing on strength? Strength training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting the limitations that life might place on you as you age.

Why Showing Up Is Half The Battle: Pregnancy, Postpartum and the London Marathon - Naomi’s Unstoppable Journey

If you could add 12 healthy years to your life, would you DO it? A proactive approach to lifetime health

If You’re Trying to Stay Consistent and Keep Failing, Instead of Blaming Yourself, Lean on a Fitness Community: Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences for Fitness Success

Why what worked for you in the past might not be working anymore for people who found other diet programs confusing. 

F.I.T.A — Fun, Integrity, Teaching, and Ambition. F.I.T.A reflects our commitment not only to fitness but to creating a space where everyone belongs and feels encouraged to reach their full potential.

Here’s the best way to build sustainable nutrition habits to break the yo-yo cycle this season: 10 simple steps for real change!

Tracking your fitness is a huge tool for motivation and an opportunity to celebrate progress. But having a group of friends to be your cheerleaders is the real win!

From Avoiding The Gym To Feeling Stronger Than Ever - Jade’s Journey Of Finding Strength, Confidence and Community at Function Fitness

Stop Letting the Fear of Joining a Gym Hold You Back, You Need to Try This Instead: How to Choose a Gym That Doesn’t Feel Intimidating

Sarah's Reflective Journey – From Reluctant Gym-Goer to Triathlon Challenger

April 8, 2024

April 22, 2024

March 11, 2024

September 12, 2023

September 12, 2023

August 30, 2023

September 12, 2023

August 24, 2023

August 16, 2023

October 27, 2022

June 30, 2022

October 4, 2022

September 21, 2022

January 18, 2022

April 23, 2021

May 17, 2021

Should You Be Building New Habits if Your Previous Attempts to Focus on Fitness Have Failed?