Improving your health is a journey, not a destination and it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Often, we place unnecessary pressure on ourselves to follow rigid rules, meet unrealistic expectations, or achieve instant results. What if you let go of all that and simply focused on what truly matters—progress, consistency, and self-compassion?
Using these 5 Tips for Progress Over Perfection, that are based on the Simply28 Nutrition foundations, you can achieve sustainable results without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Letting Go of Perfection
Perfection isn’t the goal when it comes to improving your health—consistency and progress are. Life happens, and there will be days when you miss a workout, indulge in dessert, or feel too tired to cook. Instead of dwelling on those moments, focus on your overall progress and the positive changes you’re making.
Focus on small, consistent steps lead to lasting results. Celebrate each healthy choice you make instead of fixating on occasional slip-ups. Treat yourself with kindness. Remember, growth isn’t linear, and every step forward counts.
Remember you don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Studies show that people who start with one or two manageable changes tend to have more long-lasting results. Start small and build from there.
2. Real Food, Real Results
The Simply28 approach is grounded in real food principles that nourish your body, stabilize blood sugar, and boost energy. This isn’t about counting calories or buying expensive supplements—it’s about eating nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods that support your overall health.
The key principles of Simply28 Nutrition include:
Prioritizing Real Food – Real food includes foods that are as close to their original source as possible. Focus on fresh vegetables and fruits, grass-fed meat, poultry, wild caught fish, dairy, eggs, nuts and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, butter or ghee from grass-fed cows, and avocado oil.
Avoid Processed Foods: Eliminate all added sugars, refined carbs, and artificial ingredients. Avoid any thing that comes in a package or box and instead shop the perimeter of the store including the produce, butcher, and dairy sections.
Balance Your Plate: Include a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to keep you satisfied and maintain stable energy levels. Making sure you include protein and fat with each meal or snack will keep blood sugar levels balanced and provide long lasting satiety.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports digestion, energy, and overall well-being. Try to drink one half your body weight in ounces. For a person weighing 160 pounds, that would be about 80 ounces or 10 cups of water per day. Avoid overdrinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol as they can lead to dehydration.
By following these principles, you’ll create a foundation for sustainable health without the need for complicated diets or restrictive rules. For more tips and easy to follow recipes grab a copy of The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook.
3. Simplify with Meal Planning Made Easy
One of the biggest challenges to eating healthy is finding the time to plan and prepare meals. That’s where my Meal Planning Made Easy course comes in. Designed to take the guesswork out of healthy eating, this course gives you the tools and resources to succeed without stress.
Here’s what’s included:
- Four Weeks of Done-for-You Meal Plans and Shopping Guides: Say goodbye to decision fatigue with pre-planned meals and grocery lists tailored to your goals.
- My 6-Step Framework for Simple Meal Planning: Learn how to create balanced, satisfying meals in minutes.
- Detox Your Kitchen: Set yourself up for success by clearing out foods that don’t serve your health and restocking with nourishing options.
- Navigate Social Events and Travel: Master practical strategies for staying on track while enjoying life’s moments.
The meal plans are built on real food principles—no gimmicks, no calorie counting, just sustainable strategies for a healthier you. To learn more, go to Meal Planning Made Easy.
4. Teamwork and Support
Making healthy changes is always easier—and more fun—when you have support. Enlisting friends, family members, or joining a group on the same journey can make a huge difference in your success. Here’s why teamwork matters:
Accountability: When you have others sharing the journey, you’re more likely to stay consistent. Whether it’s checking in on progress or swapping recipes, having a support system keeps you motivated. Create a group text message with a few friends and share progress, recipes, or pictures of your meals with each other.
Shared Experiences: Tackling challenges together helps normalize the process. You’ll find encouragement and tips from those facing similar hurdles, whether it’s dealing with cravings, meal prepping, or dining out.
Positive Influence: When those around you join in, it creates a ripple effect. Healthy habits can inspire others to make changes, too, which strengthens your own commitment.
Celebrating Wins Together: Every milestone feels more meaningful when you have a team cheering you on. Celebrate the little victories—trying a new recipe, sticking to a meal plan, or simply feeling better day by day.
If your family or friends aren’t ready to join you, that’s okay. Let them make their choices, and focus on what you can control: your actions. Over time, your example might inspire them to take steps toward better health. Meanwhile, consider joining an online group or local community focused on health and nutrition. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can be the boost you need to stay on track.
5. Embrace Control Over What You Can
Improving your health involves recognizing what you can control and letting go of what you can’t. Focus on making decisions that align with your goals, like preparing healthy meals or prioritizing hydration. Create a supportive space by organizing your kitchen and keeping nourishing snacks on hand. Stay positive and motivated by reminding yourself of why you started and celebrating your progress.
Challenges like busy schedules, tempting treats, or unsupportive environments are part of life. Instead of letting them derail you, focus on the actions within your control. By embracing progress over perfection, prioritizing real food, and using tools like Meal Planning Made Easy, you’ll build sustainable habits that support your long-term well-being.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up for yourself every day. Take small, consistent steps, trust the process, and let your results speak for themselves.
