For many, the pursuit of health has become a numbers game—calories in, calories out, the number on the scale, and the latest fad diet. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? Tanya Fasnacht Jolliffe, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified integrative mental health professional, reveals how true health is not about restriction, but about balance, awareness, and understanding your body.

Why Diet Culture Keeps Us Stuck

Tanya spent nearly a decade as a health coach, witnessing firsthand how diet culture traps people in unhealthy cycles. Society teaches us that our weight determines our worth, but Tanya challenges that belief:

“The number on the scale should never determine whether you have a good or bad day.”

So many people define success by their weight loss goals, but what if health is about more than just numbers? Tanya emphasizes that your well-being should never come at the expense of your mental and emotional health.

The Four Facets of Eating: More Than Just Food Choices

Most people think health is just about what they eat. But Tanya explains that there are four essential facets of eating that impact our well-being:

What you eat – The quality of food matters, but it’s only one part of the equation.

When you eat – Everyone’s metabolism is different, and timing can play a huge role.

How you eat – Are you rushing through meals, eating in front of screens, or barely chewing your food?

Why you eat – Are you truly hungry, or are emotions like stress, boredom, or loneliness influencing your choices?

“Mindful eating bridges the gap between intuitive eating and diet culture. It’s about tuning in to your body’s needs.”

Understanding Your Body Type: Why One-Size-Fits-All Diets Don’t Work

A common frustration in the health and wellness industry is the belief that if something works for one person, it should work for everyone. But Tanya highlights the importance of body types in determining how our bodies respond to food and exercise.

There are three main body types:

• Ectomorph – Naturally lean, struggles to build muscle, has a fast metabolism.
• Mesomorph – Athletic build, gains and loses weight easily.
• Endomorph – Holds onto weight more easily, naturally stronger, slower metabolism.

“A basketball player will never have the same body type as a gymnast. Why do we expect everyone to fit into the same mold?”

Understanding your own body type can help you set realistic health goals that align with how your body naturally functions.

Breaking Free from Food Guilt & Emotional Eating

We don’t just eat for fuel. Emotions play a huge role in our eating habits. From stress eating to mindless snacking, Tanya explains that we must ask ourselves:

✔️ Am I eating because I’m hungry, or because I’m emotional?
✔️Am I eating too quickly to recognize fullness cues?
✔️Am I choosing foods that truly nourish my body?

The key is self-awareness.

“Food should nourish you, not punish you. Learning to listen to your body is the real game-changer.”

How to Create a Healthier Relationship with Food

Instead of focusing on diet rules, Tanya encourages a more mindful approach:

• Slow down when eating – Give your body time to recognize when it’s full.
• Eat whole foods – The fewer ingredients, the better.
• Ditch the guilt – There are no “good” or “bad” foods.
• Honor your hunger – Restricting leads to binging. Find balance.
• Move your body in ways you enjoy – Exercise should be joyful, not punishment.

True Health is About More Than Numbers

Tanya’s message is clear: health is not about being smaller—it’s about feeling better, mentally and physically.

Understanding your unique body type, metabolism, and emotional connection to food can help you break free from the dieting mindset and move toward true wellness.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube or Spotify. Alternatively, you can listen to the podcast, “It’s Your Choice! with Sally Pederson" on your favorite channel.