Why Sustainable Weight Loss Is About More Than Just Food
- Maryssa Kiriczenko

- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Have you ever felt like you were doing “all the right things” with food - cutting back on sugar, eating more vegetables, following a meal plan - yet the results you were hoping for just didn’t last?
You’re not alone. Many people start their health journey believing that food alone will get them to their goals. And while nutrition is incredibly important (as a clinical nutritionist, it’s something I’m deeply passionate about), it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Why Food Alone Isn’t Enough
Food fuels our body. It impacts our energy, hormones, digestion, and even our mood. That’s why I always encourage nourishing, wholefoods as a foundation.
But health doesn’t stop with what you put on your plate.
Holistic health is about looking at the bigger picture - your food, yes, but also your lifestyle, environment, mindset, and most importantly, your habits. When it comes to sustainable weight loss, these other factors often make the difference between short-term results and lasting change.
Meal Plans: A Starting Point
Meal plans can be really helpful. They provide clarity around portion sizes, take away decision fatigue, and give you a framework to follow. Many of my clients find them reassuring because they take the guesswork out of eating.
But here’s the catch: a meal plan won’t transform your health if your daily habits and lifestyle aren’t aligned with your goals.
The Habit Shift
Think about it this way - if you’re following a meal plan but:
• Staying up too late,
• Skipping movement because you’re too tired,
• Eating on the run without ever slowing down,
…it becomes really hard to see progress.
True, lasting change comes from shifting your habits. Letting go of the ones that no longer serve you, and building new ones that support your body.
Some of the most powerful habits for weight loss and wellbeing include:
• Getting enough sleep so your body can rest, repair, and regulate hormones.
• Managing stress through mindfulness, journaling, or simply making time to breathe.
• Moving daily in ways that feel enjoyable, not like punishment.
• Staying hydrated to support energy and appetite control.
• Eating mindfully - slowing down, chewing well, and truly enjoying your food.
• Enjoying food in the right order – starting with protein and vegetables (fibre) before moving to carbohydrates can have a big impact on stabilising blood sugar levels and supporting healthy cortisol rhythms. When you do this consistently, you can reduce energy crashes, improve satiety, and prevent the blood sugar spikes that drive those afternoon cravings.
These may sound simple, but they’re often the missing link in achieving sustainable results.
Why Metabolic Balance Works
This is where structured, personalised programs like Metabolic Balance come in. It’s not just another meal plan - it’s a complete roadmap that teaches you how to eat in a way that supports your metabolism, balances blood sugar, and works with your unique biochemistry.
By combining wholefoods with supportive habits, you’re working with your body, not against it. Instead of relying on restrictive diets or short-term fixes, you’re creating a foundation that supports:
• Steady energy
• Hormonal balance
• Better digestion
• Sustainable weight loss
Going Beyond the Scales: Bio Impedance Analysis
In clinic, I also offer Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA) - a simple, non-invasive test that measures much more than just your weight. BIA provides detailed insights into:
• Body fat percentage
• Muscle mass
• Hydration level
• Cellular health
and your Metabolic Age.
This gives us a clearer picture of how your body is responding to nutrition and lifestyle changes, and helps us track progress in a meaningful way - far beyond what the scales can show.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re curious about how a holistic approach like Metabolic Balance can help you let go of habits that no longer serve you and build new ones that truly support your body, I’d love to chat.
Book your complimentary 15-minute discovery call today, and let’s explore how you can create healthy habits that truly last.




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