80 www. AspireMAG. net | February / March 2026
3. All-or-Nothing Thinking Sabotages Your Best Intentions
The third reason many women struggle with dieting and fall off track is having the all-or-nothing, on the plan or off the plan, perfectionistic mindset.
The pendulum swings back and forth from …
On the diet: restricting, hungry, perfectly disciplined, white-knuckling … miserable.
Off the diet: eating like crap, constantly bloated, gaining weight, feeling guilty and ashamed … miserable.
One imperfect day triggers the belief that the entire plan is ruined. One day turns
into a whole weekend, which turns into“ I’ ll start over Monday.” A week becomes a few weeks, which becomes,“ I’ ll start over next month,” or in the New Year.
And months later you’ re back in the same place, searching for the next trendy thing that will finally work. But nothing changes long-term when you swing back and forth between extremes.
The key is learning how to live in the middle.
That sweet spot where you’ re eating healthy most of the time and enjoying indulgences in moderation. Building flexible habits that bend with real life. A way of eating that allows for celebrations, vacations, and busy periods without spiraling into the familiar
80 www. AspireMAG. net | February / March 2026