Professional Blogs
4 Elements to Create a Successful Non-Diet Coaching Offer
Are you a non-diet coach looking to create a coaching offer that truly resonates with your clients and boosts your revenue? You’re in the right place! As someone who has doubled my revenue by refining my approach to non-diet coaching offers, I’m excited to share the key elements that can transform your business. In this article, we’ll explore four crucial components that will help you craft a compelling non-diet coaching offer, attract more clients, and increase your income while staying true to your values.
The Power of a Well-Structured Non-Diet Coaching Offer
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why having a solid coaching offer is so important. A well-crafted non-diet coaching offer not only attracts more clients but also sets the foundation for a thriving business. It’s the bridge between your expertise and your clients’ needs, allowing you to make a significant impact while growing your income.
In my experience, the right coaching offer can be a game-changer. By implementing the strategies I’m about to share, I was able to double my revenue and create a prosperous coaching business that aligns with my values. Now, let’s explore the four essential elements that will help you achieve similar success.
1. Simplicity: The Key to Client Engagement
When it comes to non-diet coaching offers, simplicity is your best friend. Your potential clients should be able to quickly understand what you’re offering and how it benefits them. To create a simple yet effective offer, focus on answering these three questions from your client’s perspective:
- Is it easy to understand and implement?
- Is the result clear and desirable?
- Does it directly address my problem?
By keeping your offer simple and straightforward, you make it easier for clients to say “yes” and commit to working with you. Remember, a confused mind often says no, so clarity is crucial.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to coach yourself into a state of self-authorization. Believe in your offer as the best solution for your ideal client, even before you have concrete evidence. Your confidence will shine through and attract the right clients.
2. Doability: Ensuring Client Success
The second element of a successful non-diet coaching offer is doability. Your offer should feel achievable and realistic to your potential clients. When creating your offer, ask yourself:
- Can my clients easily envision themselves completing the program?
- Is the workload manageable alongside their daily lives?
- Are the steps clear and actionable?
Avoid overwhelming your clients with excessive content or complicated processes. Instead, focus on creating a streamlined experience that feels doable and exciting. When clients can see themselves succeeding with your program, they’re more likely to invest in it.
3. Safety: Creating a Comfortable Environment for Growth
Safety is a crucial aspect of any non-diet coaching offer. Your potential clients need to feel secure and supported throughout their journey. To create a sense of safety, ensure your offer addresses these questions:
- Can clients envision themselves achieving the promised results?
- Is the program respectful of their current lifestyle?
- Does it allow for gradual, sustainable change?
Remember, your ability to create safety for others is directly related to how safe you feel in your own life and business. Prioritize your own well-being and nervous system regulation, and this sense of safety will naturally extend to your clients.
4. Compelling Offer Protocol: Bringing It All Together
The fourth element that ties everything together is what I call the Compelling Offer Protocol. This approach combines simplicity, doability, and safety to create an irresistible non-diet coaching offer. When you implement this protocol, you’ll experience a shift in your business and mindset:
- Increased confidence in your coaching abilities
- Alignment with your values and integrity
- Deeper belief in yourself and your clients’ potential
- Ease in marketing and explaining your offer
- Comfort in addressing client doubts and fears
- Ability to create a safe space for client growth
By focusing on these four elements, you’ll create a non-diet coaching offer that not only attracts more clients but also feels authentic and aligned with your mission as a coach.
Taking Your Non-Diet Coaching Offer to the Next Level
Now that you understand the four key elements of a successful non-diet coaching offer, it’s time to put them into practice. Here are some actionable steps to help you refine your offer:
Audit your current offer: Evaluate your existing coaching package against the four elements we’ve discussed. Identify areas for improvement and simplification.
Get client feedback: Reach out to past or current clients to understand what they find most valuable about your coaching. Use this insight to enhance your offer.
Craft a clear message: Develop a concise, compelling description of your offer that highlights the benefits and addresses common client concerns.
Test and refine: Launch your updated offer and pay attention to client responses. Continuously refine your approach based on feedback and results.
Invest in your own growth: Remember that your personal development directly impacts your ability to create compelling offers. Prioritize your own learning and well-being.
Embracing Your Non-Diet Coaching Journey
Creating a successful non-diet coaching offer is an ongoing process of refinement and growth. By focusing on simplicity, doability, safety, and the Compelling Offer Protocol, you’ll be well on your way to attracting more clients and increasing your revenue.
Remember, your unique perspective and expertise are valuable. Trust in your ability to make a difference in your clients’ lives, and let that confidence shine through in your coaching offer. With these four elements in place, you’re ready to take your non-diet coaching business to new heights of success and impact.
Ready to create compelling non-diet coaching offers?
You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Masterclass Compelling Offer Lab: A 6-part Masterclass series to help you learn process to make Good Money in a way that feels damn good!
Good Money Business Mastermind A business mentorship and a collective of ambitious, driven and empowered anti-diet culture providers and coaches on a mission to dismantle diet culture and make GOOD money doing it!
3 Steps to Making Money in a Coaching Business
Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to make good money in your coaching business without compromising your values? You’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll explore three essential steps to create a thriving coaching practice that feels aligned with who you are and what you stand for.
The Truth About Making Money in Coaching
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: it’s okay to want to make money. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary. We live in a capitalist society where financial stability equates to safety and a better quality of life. So, let’s normalize the desire to increase our income.
The real challenge lies not in wanting to make money, but in figuring out how to do it in a way that feels good and aligns with our values. That’s where the concept of building a *GOOD* business comes into play.
What is a GOOD Business?
A GOOD business is one that:
– Serves people with high-quality coaching
– Generates a healthy income
– Aligns with your personal and professional values
By focusing on creating a GOOD business, you can make money in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. Let’s dive into the three crucial shifts you need to make to achieve this balance.
Shift #1: From “Earning Money” to “Making Money” Mindset
The Employee vs. Entrepreneur Mindset
Many coaches transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship carrying an “employee mindset.” This perspective can significantly hinder your ability to create wealth in your coaching business.
Key Differences:
– Employees earn a set salary
– Entrepreneurs create their own income
To succeed as a coach, you need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. This involves intentionally nurturing thoughts that generate feelings of:
– Confidence
– Courage
– Resilience
– Bravery
– Determination
These emotions are crucial when it comes to selling your services and growing your income.
Action Step:
Identify one limiting belief you have about making money as a coach. Replace it with an empowering thought that aligns with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Shift #2: From “As Long As” to “Even When” Mindset
The Danger of Conditional Thinking
Many coaches approach mindset work with an “As Long As” mentality. They’re willing to change their thoughts about money… as long as it works immediately. This conditional approach is similar to clients who are willing to try intuitive eating… as long as they don’t gain weight.
The Power of Unconditional Commitment
To truly succeed in your coaching business, you need to adopt an “Even When” mindset. This means committing to your goals and mindset work:
– Even when nobody books a consult
– Even when you’re not meeting your financial targets
– Even when you have zero clients
Action Step:
Write down three “Even When” statements that reinforce your commitment to your coaching business, regardless of immediate results.
Shift #3: Releasing the 6 or 7-Figure Business Ideal
The Parallel Between Business Revenue and Body Image
Just as many women struggle with the “thin ideal” in body image, coaches often grapple with revenue ideals in their businesses. Whether it’s the allure of a 6-figure or 7-figure business, these arbitrary benchmarks can create unnecessary pressure and shame.
The Reality Check
Consider this statistic: In 2019, 88% of women-owned businesses made less than $100,000 per year. This doesn’t mean these businesses weren’t successful or impactful. It simply highlights the need to redefine success on your own terms.
Deconditioning from Toxic Business Culture
To truly make GOOD money in your coaching business, you need to:
1. Recognize and release shame around your current revenue
2. Decondition yourself from toxic business culture that equates success with a specific income level
3. Define success based on your values and impact, not just your bank account
Action Step:
Reflect on this question: Are you subconsciously co-opting toxic business culture and taking action based on those beliefs? How can you redefine success in a way that feels authentic to you?
Embracing a New Approach to Making Money in Your Coaching Business
By implementing these three shifts, you’re setting the foundation for a coaching business that not only generates good income but also aligns with your values and brings you joy. Remember, making money doesn’t have to come with shame, guilt, or overwhelm. It’s about creating a business that serves others while honoring your worth and well-being.
Key Takeaways:
1. Develop an entrepreneurial “Making Money” mindset
2. Commit to your business “Even When” times are tough
3. Define success on your own terms, free from toxic business ideals
Are you ready to make GOOD money in your coaching business? It’s time to embrace these shifts and create a practice that feels authentic, impactful, and financially rewarding.
Remember, making good money in your coaching business is not just possible—it’s your right. By aligning your money-making strategies with your values, you’re not only setting yourself up for financial success but also creating a business that truly makes a difference in the world.
Want to transform your approach to making good money in your coaching business?
You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Private coaching with Stephanie and her team Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches are waiting to support you in a one-to-one setting with an individualized plan.
Undiet Your Life group coaching program is for women to learn how to eat intuitively, become body neutral, and learn self-coaching at their own pace while being supported in a group setting by Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches.
Non-Diet Coaching Certification for professionals ready to integrate the Going Beyond The Food Method™️ in their practice and for women wanting to become Certified Coach and build a business coaching other women beyond the food.
Fatphobia Coaching and Gaslighting: How I Overcome Fatphobia as a Fat Woman
Fatphobia Coaching and Gaslighting: How I Overcame Fatphobia as a Fat Woman
As a fat woman, I’ve heard it all. “Just change your thoughts about the layer of fat on your body.” “Don’t worry about what other people think of you.” These well-intentioned but misguided pieces of advice aren’t coaching – they’re gaslighting. And they’re a prime example of how fatphobia permeates our society, even in spaces meant to be supportive and empowering.
Today, I want to share my personal journey of overcoming fatphobia and how I learned to navigate a world that often seems designed to make people in larger bodies feel less than. This isn’t just my story – it’s a call to action for coaches, mentors, and anyone working with fat individuals to understand the complexities of fatphobia and how to truly support their clients.
Fatphobia Coaching and Gaslighting: Understanding Fatphobia and Gaslighting
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what we mean by fatphobia and gaslighting. Fatphobia is the fear, stigma, and discrimination against people with larger bodies. It’s a systemic issue that affects nearly every aspect of life for fat individuals.
Gaslighting, on the other hand, is a form of psychological manipulation where someone denies another person’s reality, making them question their own perceptions and experiences. In the context of fatphobia, gaslighting often looks like dismissing the very real challenges and discrimination fat people face daily.
When someone tells a fat person to “just love yourself more” or “ignore what others think,” they’re essentially denying the reality of living in a fatphobic society. This isn’t helpful – it’s harmful.
Coaching Fat Women Can Be Challenging
As I mentioned earlier, coaching people who are marginalized by systemic oppression can be incredibly challenging. Without the right skills and tools, even well-meaning coaches can inadvertently cause harm to their clients.
Let me illustrate this with my own experience. As a woman living in a large body, I’m acutely aware that people form opinions about me based solely on my appearance when I enter a room. For years, I internalized this and believed that I was the problem. I tried diet after diet, attempting to conform to society’s unrealistic and oppressive standards.
Eventually, I decided to say “f*ck off” to the system and accept my body. But this wasn’t an easy journey, and it certainly wasn’t as simple as just changing my mindset.
Fatphobia Coaching and Gaslighting: The Pitfalls of Simplistic Body Positivity
My first attempt at body acceptance came through an online body positivity course. The coach’s main message was, “If you love yourself enough, it will get better.” Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
This approach, while well-intentioned, falls into the trap of gaslighting. It puts the entire burden on the individual to change their thoughts and feelings, without acknowledging the very real societal pressures and discrimination they face.
A New Approach to Overcoming Fatphobia
Realizing that simplistic body positivity wasn’t the answer, I decided to tackle the problem of fatphobia differently. Here’s how I approached it:
1. Stop Gaslighting Myself
The first step was to acknowledge the reality of fatphobia. Yes, it exists. Yes, it’s unfair. And yes, it impacts nearly every aspect of my life – from healthcare access to job opportunities to social interactions. Denying this reality wasn’t helping; accepting it was the first step towards real change.
2. Accept the Long-term Nature of the Challenge
I had to come to terms with the fact that fatphobia isn’t likely to disappear entirely in my lifetime. While things may improve, it will continue to impact me. This realization was crucial in shifting my focus from trying to change society to learning how to navigate it effectively.
3. Choose How to Respond
With this acceptance came a choice: how did I want to live the rest of my life? Did I want to pretend fatphobia doesn’t exist, hide away, and live a small life? Or did I want to learn how to experience fatphobia differently and live fully despite it?
4. Practice Self-Consent
I made a conscious choice to change my approach. This involved practicing self-consent – acknowledging that I didn’t have to do anything I didn’t want to do, including conforming to societal expectations about my body.
5. Build Safety for My Choice
Change is scary, especially when it involves going against societal norms. I acknowledged my fear and the challenges ahead, building a sense of safety and support for myself as I embarked on this journey.
6. Change My Thoughts About Fatphobia
Finally, I began the process of changing my thoughts about fatphobia. This wasn’t about denial or forced positivity. Instead, it was about acceptance and empowerment. I did the thought work from a place of acknowledging reality while also recognizing my power to shape my response to it.
Fatphobia Coaching and Gaslighting: The Power of Intersectional Coaching
This approach to overcoming fatphobia is rooted in what’s known as intersectional coaching. It’s a holistic framework that acknowledges how an individual’s various identities – including body size, race, gender, and more – impact their reality.
Intersectional coaching is the truest form of empowerment coaching because it doesn’t deny or minimize the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. Instead, it provides tools and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.
This approach is at the heart of the Non-Diet Coaching Certification, which I now offer to other coaches. It’s why Certified Non-Diet Coaches never gaslight their clients, no matter the circumstances. We acknowledge the reality of fatphobia and other systemic issues while empowering our clients to live fully and authentically.
In Conclusion
Remember, overcoming fatphobia isn’t about denying its existence or forcing yourself to “just think positively.” It’s about acknowledging the reality of living in a fatphobic society, choosing how you want to respond, and empowering yourself to live fully despite societal prejudices.
My journey from internalized fatphobia to empowerment wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. And if I can do it, so can you. Whether you’re struggling with fatphobia yourself or you’re a coach looking to better support your clients, remember: real change starts with acknowledging reality, not denying it. From there, anything is possible.
Ready to Take the Next Steps and Dismantle Fatphobia?
If you’re inspired by my journey and want to learn more about overcoming fatphobia or providing empowering, intersectional coaching, there are several ways to get involved.You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Private coaching with Stephanie and her team Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches are waiting to support you in a one-to-one setting with an individualized plan.
Undiet Your Life group coaching program is for women to learn how to eat intuitively, become body neutral, and learn self-coaching at their own pace while being supported in a group setting by Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches.
Non-Diet Coaching Certification for professionals ready to integrate the Going Beyond The Food Method™️ in their practice and for women wanting to become Certified Coach and build a business coaching other women beyond the food.
I’m Sharing Our Business Revenue in This One
It’s Supposed to Take Time
Transformation takes time. Creation takes time. It’s supposed to take time to make peace with food, to build a business, and to become a great coach. The claim that these things can happen fast if you “do it right” is an oppressive marketing tactic that sets unrealistic expectations.
We’ve been conditioned by our culture of instant gratification to want results quickly. But true personal growth and business success can’t be rushed. It requires patience, perseverance, and doing the hard inner work over years, not months.
Business Revenue: The Claim That Transformation and Creation Can Happen Fast is an Oppressive Marketing Tactic
Promises like “Make 6 figures in 6 months” or “Lose 15 lbs in 30 days” prey on our desires for a quick fix. And the truth is, they work – at least for making sales. These marketers know that dangling the prospect of rapid results in front of people is highly effective at prying open their wallets.
But very few leaders are willing to emphasize the reality that real, lasting results require years of consistent effort. That’s not as sexy of a sales pitch. So instead, the quick fix narrative gets pushed relentlessly.
It’s an oppressive tactic that sets people up for disappointment, self-blame when the rapid results don’t materialize, and a cycle of moving from one program to the next, always chasing that elusive quick transformation.
That’s why years ago, I committed to no longer using the “fast results to business revenue” marketing approach. It didn’t align with my values of honesty and compassion.
Programs Designed for Lasting Transformation
To create true transformation, my programs are designed to play out over a realistic timeframe:
The Undiet Your Life Coaching Program is a year-long program because that’s how long it takes for most women to fully embrace intuitive eating and body neutrality. Decades of food and body struggles can’t be undone overnight.
The Non-Diet Coach Certification lasts 6 months because beginning to embody coaching skills and mindset takes that long. But even after that, becoming a masterful coach requires years of practice.
Business Revenue: I’d Like My Journey to Normalize Taking Years to Build a 6+ Figure Business
Building a successful online coaching business at a 6-figure or higher level is a long-game endeavor, similar to establishing a career in the corporate world. Let’s normalize:
– Not feeling like a failure if you don’t make millions right away
– The reality that 88% of female entrepreneurs earn less than 6 figures annually
It takes years to build a solid coaching business from the ground up through hard work, skill development, mindset shifts, and consistent marketing. Expecting to replace an average “middle-class” income quickly is statistically unrealistic.
Reflecting on my own privileges is important context too:
– I had 15 years of prior business coaching & sales experience that gave me a head start
– I could invest personal savings higher than the average income into my business
– As a white, cisgender, straight woman with a supportive circle, I faced less systemic barriers to risk-taking
Business Revenue: My “Average” 6-Year Journey to a Sustainable Business
2016 – Closed my Oakville nutrition clinic; the online business was born.
2017 – Revenue of $21K
My first full year online was brutal. I felt lost constantly and doubted myself weekly, but persisted. Most living expenses came from savings. To new coaches, don’t quit your day job the first year!
2018 – Revenue of $36K
Invested $10K in my first mastermind from personal savings, which was a major financial risk. I lacked business/marketing skills so year 2 was still hard. But I learned how lacking alignment between personal and business values breeds anxiety – my wake-up call to reject “bro marketing” tactics.
2019 – Revenue of $56K
The year the business started feeling sustainable. I discovered feminist mindset coaching which changed my approach as a human and entrepreneur. By doing intense mindset work (not business tactics), my income doubled in 6 months.
2020 – Revenue of $119K
The year I embodied the belief “I’m enough and innately worthy.” Again, through mindset work alone, I doubled income by becoming a better coach.
2021 – Revenue of $136K
I simplified by eliminating 7 programs and focused solely on what worked and lit me up. Streamlining allowed me to work less but earn more.
This is fairly typical path to building a sustainable online coaching business over 5-6 years. It wasn’t until after 2021 that my revenue exceeded the average for female entrepreneurs, so I’ve chosen to stop publicly sharing income details.
As I launch a new business mastermind for anti-diet entrepreneurs, I’ve carefully examined my values around using income claims for marketing. I’ve decided to try that approach for now while being fully transparent about the realistic timeframe for results.
I’d Still Be Doin’ This if I Wasn’t Doin’ This
More than just building a business, entrepreneurship has been the greatest personal development journey of my 48 years. It’s where I’ve found the deepest fulfillment by discovering my life’s purpose.
The hardships I’ve overcome gave my life meaning – they put me on this path of helping others heal from diet culture and move beyond their own struggles with food and body image.
I believe I was born for this “beyond the food” mission of being part of a revolution to dismantle oppressive societal norms. To me, that’s far more precious than achieving some hyped-up “7-figure coaching business” milestone.
I want to live a life of service. And even if I never made another dollar from this work, I’d still be doin’ this if I wasn’t doin’ this. This work is my soul’s calling and my greatest joy.
How we can help
You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Private coaching with Stephanie and her team Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches are waiting to support you in a one-to-one setting with an individualized plan.
Undiet Your Life group coaching program is for women to learn how to eat intuitively, become body neutral, and learn self-coaching at their own pace while being supported in a group setting by Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches.
Non-Diet Coaching Certification for professionals ready to integrate the Going Beyond The Food Method™️ in their practice and for women wanting to become Certified Coach and build a business coaching other women beyond the food.
Good Money Business Mastermind A business mentorship and a collective of ambitious, driven and empowered anti-diet culture providers and coaches on a mission to dismantle diet culture and make GOOD money doing it!
6 Signs Diet Culture Has Infiltrated Your Business
As an entrepreneur in the non-diet space, you’re likely familiar with the harmful effects of diet culture on individuals. But have you ever considered that these same oppressive tactics might be seeping into your business practices?
In this article, we’ll explore the uncanny parallels between diet culture and what I call “oppressive business culture.” We’ll dive into six telltale signs that diet culture has infiltrated your business and how this infiltration might be holding you back from the success and impact you deserve.
There are uncanny parallels between oppressive business culture and diet culture
Just as diet culture promises rapid weight loss and one-size-fits-all meal plans, oppressive business culture dangles the carrot of “6 figures in 6 months” and “the right strategy for everyone’s success.” Both rely on external solutions, implying that you’re not good enough or smart enough on your own. Let’s break down these parallels:
1. Quick Fixes: Diet culture says, “Lose 30lbs in 30 days.” Similarly, oppressive business culture claims, “Make 6 figures in 6 months.” Both are unrealistic and can lead to burnout.
2. One-Size-Fits-All: Diet culture preaches, “The right meal plan makes everyone healthy.” In business, it’s “The right strategy will make anyone successful.” Both ignore individual needs and circumstances.
3. Focus on Externals: Diet culture declares, “Thinner is better.” Oppressive business culture echoes, “Bigger bank account is better.” Both overlook personal well-being and fulfillment.
6 signs that Diet Culture has infiltrated your business:
Now, let’s dive into a checklist. If you find yourself nodding along to these signs, it’s likely that diet culture has snuck into your business mindset:
1. You believe there’s a “right way” to do business
Just as there’s no single diet that works for everyone, there’s no universal “right way” to run a business. If you’re constantly chasing the perfect strategy, pricing structure, or marketing plan, you might be under the influence of oppressive business culture.
2. You’re afraid to fail
In diet culture, “failing” means gaining weight or not sticking to the plan. In business, it might mean not hitting a revenue goal or losing a client. This fear can paralyze you, preventing you from taking risks that could lead to growth.
3. You experience imposter coach syndrome
Do you feel like you need just one more certification to be “credible”? This is akin to dieters thinking they need just one more supplement or workout to be “healthy.” Your expertise comes from your unique experiences and the impact you have on clients.
4. You compare yourself to colleagues in despair
Just as dieters compare their bodies to others, you might be comparing your business to your colleagues’. Remember, their journey is not yours, and comparison often leads to self-doubt and inaction.
5. You’re “all in” one week, then “nothing” for two
This sounds like yo-yo dieting, doesn’t it? One week, you’re hustling 24/7; the next, you’re burnt out and can’t look at your business. Sustainable success requires consistent, balanced effort.
6. You spend too much time trying to do things “perfectly”
In diet culture, perfectionism might mean never missing a workout or eating a “forbidden” food. In business, it’s obsessing over every email or social media post. Perfection is a myth that steals your time and energy.
It’s not your fault if Diet Culture has infiltrated your business
Here’s the truth: just as you didn’t create diet culture, you didn’t create oppressive business culture. These systems are pervasive, and it’s no wonder they’ve seeped into your entrepreneurial journey. Remember when you couldn’t believe that diet culture was the problem, not your body? Now, it’s the same with your business.
What your brain labels as a “problem” in your business often isn’t a problem at all. The real issue is the oppressive business culture that overwhelms us with endless to-dos, “right way” thinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. It’s not you; it’s the system.
The Solution
The solution isn’t another strategy, course, or certification. It’s the same thing that freed you from diet culture: self-trust.
The solution: Self-Trust
What if you could trust yourself with your business decisions as implicitly as you now trust your body’s hunger and fullness cues? Imagine the freedom, confidence, and growth that would unfold. Just as intuitive eating transformed your relationship with food, intuitive business practices can revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey.
The key is to focus on reshaping your business mindset, not just your tactics. When you change how you think about your clients, your offers, and yourself as a coach, you’ll operate from a place of integrity. This shift leads to higher-value actions and, ultimately, a business that creates what I call “Good Money” – income that aligns with your values and serves your mission.
The Good Money Business Mentorship
This is where my Good Money Business Mastermind comes in. It’s not just a business mentorship; it’s a collective of ambitious, driven, and empowered anti-diet culture providers and coaches. We’re on a mission to dismantle diet culture – both in our clients’ lives and in our own business practices.
In this mastermind, we don’t chase arbitrary revenue goals or push “quick fix” tactics. Instead, we focus on building businesses that reflect our values, serve our communities, and yes, make good money. Because making an impact and making an income are not mutually exclusive.
Conclusion: Your Business, Your Rules
Remember, it’s supposed to take time to build a great business, just like it takes time to make peace with food. The claim that business success should be fast if you “do it right” is as oppressive as the diet industry’s rapid weight loss promises.
I’ve shared my own business journey to normalize this reality. It took me years to build a six-figure business, and each stage was marked by personal growth, not just revenue growth. Your journey will be unique, but the principles remain the same: trust yourself, align with your values, and reject the oppressive narratives.
If you’re ready to build a business that feels as good as it performs, I invite you to join us in the Good Money Business Mastermind. Together, we’ll dismantle diet culture in all its forms and create businesses that truly nourish – our clients, our communities, and ourselves.
Remember, you’re not just building a business; you’re part of a revolution. And that, my friend, is worth far more than any “7-figure coaching business” ideal.
How we can help
You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Private coaching with Stephanie and her team Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches are waiting to support you in a one-to-one setting with an individualized plan.
Undiet Your Life group coaching program is for women to learn how to eat intuitively, become body neutral, and learn self-coaching at their own pace while being supported in a group setting by Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches.
Non-Diet Coaching Certification for professionals ready to integrate the Going Beyond The Food Method™️ in their practice and for women wanting to become Certified Coach and build a business coaching other women beyond the food.
Good Money Business Mastermind A business mentorship and a collective of ambitious, driven and empowered anti-diet culture providers and coaches on a mission to dismantle diet culture and make GOOD money doing it!
How to Coach Eating Behaviors
Do you feel trapped in an endless cycle of dieting, restrictive eating, and guilt? You’re not alone.
In this article, you’ll learn a compassionate, non-diet approach to developing a healthier relationship with food and your eating behaviors. Say goodbye to rigid rules and hello to sustainable strategies that align with your values and goals.
Many of us struggle with emotional eating, binge eating, or restrictive patterns that leave us feeling frustrated and disconnected from our true hunger cues. This vicious cycle can take a toll on our physical and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and a preoccupation with food. But there is a way out – a path towards a more balanced, intuitive approach to eating.
Coaching Eating Behaviors: What to do instead?
The Cognitive Behavioral Coaching method enables you to explore your motivations, triggers, and patterns surrounding food. It helps cultivate self-awareness, mindfulness, and self-compassion, empowering you to make choices that truly nourish your mind, body, and soul. Prepare to break free from the diet mentality and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling way of living.
Instead of restrictive diets or one-size-fits-all rules, the CBC method encourages a more holistic and personalized approach to developing a healthy relationship with food. It’s about understanding your unique motivations, triggers, and patterns, and finding strategies that work for you – not against you.
Coaching Eating Behaviors Using CBC Coaching
The CBC approach is rooted in the principles of cognitive behavioral coaching, which recognizes that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. By exploring and understanding these connections, we can identify areas for change and develop more constructive patterns.
Step 1: Understanding How Human Behavior is Generated
The first step in the CBC process is to gain insight into the fundamental drivers of human behavior. Our actions are influenced by a complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, physiological states, and environmental factors. By developing self-awareness and mindfulness, clients can begin to observe these influences without judgment, creating a foundation for lasting change.
Step 2: Investigate the Environment
Our physical and social environments play a significant role in shaping our eating behaviors. This step involves exploring the various cues, triggers, and situations that may contribute to unhealthy patterns. For example, a client may notice that they tend to overeat when stressed at work or when socializing with friends who encourage indulgence. By identifying these environmental factors, we can develop strategies to create a more supportive and conducive environment for healthier choices.
Coaching Eating Behaviors: 6 coaching questions
1. “What does a healthy relationship with food mean to you?”
This deceptively simple question encourages clients to reflect deeply on their values, priorities, and desired outcomes beyond just weight loss or adhering to food rules. A healthy relationship with food means different things to different people – it could mean feeling energized, nourishing their body with foods they enjoy, or setting an example of balance for their children. By defining what success looks like for them, clients can stay motivated and focused on their personal goals.
2. “How do your current eating behaviors align (or misalign) with your values and goals?”
Our actions often stem from deeply ingrained habits, emotions, or coping mechanisms that may no longer serve us. This question prompts clients to examine the alignment between their eating patterns and the things that truly matter to them. Perhaps emotional eating is causing feelings of guilt that conflict with their value of self-care. Or nighttime snacking might be hindering their goal of having more energy during the day. Exploring these disconnects can provide powerful motivation for change.
3. “What situations or emotions tend to trigger unhealthy eating patterns for you?”
Understanding personal triggers is crucial for interrupting unhealthy cycles. Clients may identify stress, boredom, loneliness, or even positive events like celebrations as common triggers for overeating or making poor food choices. Once these triggers are identified, we can co-create coping strategies and alternative behaviors to address them in a healthier way.
4. “How can you practice self-compassion when you experience setbacks or slip-ups?”
Change is rarely linear, and setbacks are an inevitable part of the process. This question encourages clients to treat themselves with kindness and understanding, rather than harsh self-criticism or shame. Self-compassion might involve reassuring self-talk, remembering that one lapse doesn’t undo all progress, or simply taking a moment to breathe and reset.
5. “What small, manageable steps can you take to move closer to your desired eating behaviors?”
Big, sweeping changes can often feel overwhelming and unsustainable. This question helps clients break down their goals into smaller, actionable steps that feel achievable. It could involve strategies like meal planning, trying new recipes, or finding alternative coping mechanisms for difficult emotions. Celebrating these small wins builds confidence and momentum.
6. “How can I best support and encourage you throughout this process?”
Every client is unique, with different needs, preferences, and circumstances. By asking this question, I ensure that my coaching approach is tailored to meet them where they are. Some may benefit from more accountability and structure, while others may need a softer, more self-compassionate style of support. Individualized coaching is key to lasting success.
Step 3: Show Why It’s Not About the Food
While food choices play a role, our relationship with eating often goes much deeper than what’s on our plate. This step involves exploring the underlying thoughts, beliefs, and emotional drivers that influence our behaviors around food. For some, food may serve as a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness, or difficult emotions. For others, deeply ingrained beliefs about body image, self-worth, or societal ideals may contribute to restrictive or binge eating patterns. By uncovering and addressing these root causes, we can begin to shift our relationship with food on a more profound level.
Step 4: Change the Thoughts/Beliefs
Once we’ve identified the unhelpful thoughts or beliefs driving unhealthy eating behaviors, the next step is to reframe and restructure these patterns of thinking. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as challenging cognitive distortions, reframing negative self-talk, and cultivating more compassionate inner dialogues, can be powerful tools in this process. For example, a client who believes they “don’t deserve” to eat certain foods might work on replacing that thought with a more balanced and self-accepting perspective. As our thoughts shift, so too can our behaviors and emotional responses to food.
Coaching Eating Behaviors: Key Takeaways
- Ditch the diets and embrace a kinder approach to eating that’s all about self-discovery, not self-denial.
- Get real with yourself about your motivations, triggers, and patterns around food so you can make choices that truly nourish your mind and body.
- Be your own bestie and practice self-compassion when you stumble – change is a journey, not a destination, and you’ve got this!
How we can help
You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Private coaching with Stephanie and her team Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches are waiting to support you in a one-to-one setting with an individualized plan.
Undiet Your Life group coaching program is for women to learn how to eat intuitively, become body-neutral, and learn self-coaching at their own pace while being supported in a group setting by Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches.
$156,000 in Cash Revenue
**This is the copy of the email we sent on January 1st, 2023 to our Professional community.
In 2022 I created US $156 K in cash for my business.
Phew… I did it. I shared this publicly.
I’ve been sitting on this email for weeks. I did a LOTS of self-coaching about sharing this. Every part of me wanted NOT to do it… I felt a lot of shame not making 7 figures in my business while teaching and coaching.
And I knew this meant only one thing: I needed to do it.
I share this fact – $156K in cash revenue – to celebrate myself AND to model a new way to think about business.
I share this with you because I believe we all need to see more “normal” and “average” business results celebrated.
I’m sharing this to normalize not making millions in your coaching business.
I’m sharing this to show the BEAUTIFUL and FANTASTIC financial reality of 88% of female entrepreneurs.
I’m sharing this to break the “7 figure coaching business” ideal most of us are sold into by toxic & oppressive business culture. (thin ideal parallel here …)
I’m sharing this for the same reason I’m posting full-body pictures on social media… for my healing and to help normalize fat women making a living being a coach, nutritionist, or anything they want to be.
When I decided to close the nutrition clinic in 2016 and launch Beyond The Food online biz I made only one commitment to myself: never to quit.
And I want to acknowledge that I’m privileged to have been about to do this. I came to entrepreneurship with 15 years of business coaching & sales experience in the corporate world. Although not all the knowledge was transferable, most of it was.
Although I built both businesses by investing in my own money, I’m privileged that I had access to much higher than the average income for years. In contrast, most do not have access to personal wealth when they start the entrepreneurial journey.
Entrepreneurship requires a shit-ton of risk-taking, AND it’s a lot easier when you are white, cis-gendered, straight, and have a great support system. Yes, I have worked hard and had a huge advantage in making my business successful.
The year I took quitting off the table: 2017
2017- The new biz made 21K
My first full year with Beyond The Food online biz after closing in 2016 my first business, a nutrition clinic. I felt lost; honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. I thought about quitting almost every week but never did because of the one promise I made myself. The first year was hard.
Most of my living expenses came from saving. If you are a new coach, I recommend not quitting your full-time gig as most of us do not make a decent income during the first few years of business.
The year I invested in my first mastermind: 2018
2018- The biz made 36K
Transparency: The $10K mastermind investment was 100% coming from my savings. I invested money the business didn’t have: I bet on myself. Year 2 was hard.
I learned one of the most powerful lessons in entrepreneurship: not being in alignment between my personal and business value feels terrible and leads to massive anxiety. Although I didn’t have a name for it at the time: Bro Marketing and I had met.
The year I learned to blow my mind
2019 – The biz made 56K
I met the coach that would teach me what would forever change me as a human and an entrepreneur: come in Kara Lowentheil and the feminist mindset coaching. My business doubled in 6 months of coaching with her because I was in full alignment. Year 3 made it easy.
None of Kara’s teaching at the time was about business tactics, but instead, I learned how to “manage my mind,” and that’s what doubled my income.
The year I integrated mindset in every dam part of my life.
2020 – The biz made 119k
The year of me believing at the DNA level, “I’m enough & I’m innately worthy .”I kept working with Kara, and we coached hard… and I blew my mind. Again 100% mindset work, not biz tactics, and for the second year ago I doubled my revenue.
The year I shut down 7 programs and made more money
2021 – 136K
The year I simplified my business. I shut down 7 coaching programs. I took the risk to bet on what was working and what I loved doing. Undiet Your Life brand was born, and Non-Diet Mentorship amplified to be a professional skill program and business building.
The year of transforming my relationship to work
2022 – 156K
The year of letting go of “I have to”. The simplification of my business in 2021 exposed a lot of resistance to working being easy, and I knew I couldn’t keep growing my business with this work mindset. I hired a private coach 100% focused on healing past corporate career traumas and learning to work from “I choose to”…
2023 is about integrating the new identity I lovingly call “Grandioso”… the version of me that will take my business and life to the next level.
I do not have a financial goal for 2023 but I know that so far, for 2023 I have 45K in revenue secured (aka under contract).
Here’s what I know for sure: “I’d still be doin’ this if I wasn’t doin’ this .”(Lyrics from Luke Combs’s song -Doin’ This.)
Entrepreneurship has been the single most significant personal development platform I have experienced in 47 years of living and where I’ve been the happiest.
I’m a new person today because of my business. A version of me that I much enjoy being.
The Beyond the Food biz has given a sense to my life.
Everything that happened to me now has meaning. All the hardship I have experienced happened for a reason: to be here today, helping others move through their hardship.
To be of service.
I believe I was born to this “beyond the food thing”…to be part of a revolution, and to me, this is worth way more than the “7 figure coaching business” ideal.
Wishing you a beautiful 2023,
With love and excitement for what is to come for us.
xoxo,
Stephanie
Anti-Diet Training for Health Coaches
One of the frequent questions from health coaches who encounter my work in the non-diet approach for the first time is this:
How do I make money as a non-diet coach?
I get it. I had the same question 6 years ago when I first came to the world of anti-diet health coaching. If we don’t tell people what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat, what will they pay us for? Right?
Clients seeking services from a non-diet health coach have a lot they are willing to pay for: primarily ending their struggle with food and body. Helping them relearning to eat following their own eating cues instead of a “health coach” looking over their shoulder lol! Undoing all the body-shaming that “weight loss coaches” have created within them, being able to trust their own choices when it comes to health, undoing the critical mean girl voices in their head, etc…
The list could go on, but simply: undoing the work of diet culture. That’s how you make money as a non-diet health coach. If you have been through the process of unlearning diet culture yourself, you’ll know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t yet, it’s normal you don’t get it and this is the first place you need to start: doing the work of unlearning diet culture yourself.
Anti-diet training for health coaches
Starting an anti-diet coaching business
What I wish I knew before starting my non-diet health coaching business
The anti-diet approach mentorship program
Anti-diet training for health coaches
The process of becoming an anti-diet health coach starts with your own healing from years of restrictions, cleanses, detoxing, overthinking, shame and guilt. We have plenty of resources on anti-diet training for health coaches to help you take this first step along with professional training.
We have created a number of free non-diet approach training resources to help you begin learning more about this revolutionary health approach. Join my non-diet professional community by requesting our non-diet professional starter pack.
I would suggest you also subscribe to anti-diet podcast .
Starting an anti-diet coaching business
Starting an anti-diet coaching business (also referred to by some as an intuitive eating business is simple. It is the same as starting any other business: You create a product, in the anti-diet health coaching business this would be a coaching package, and you go out into the world and sell this product.
As soon as you start working with clients, you will know just how powerful your product truly is. Research is clear about the benefits of health coaching: Significant improvements in one or more of the health-promoting behaviors when interacting with a health coach. You will see the changes in your clients quickly and your confidence in your business will grow rapidly.
My anti-diet business journey
My first business in the world of health coaching was actually a nutrition clinic in Toronto Canada. Five years ago, I transitioned my health coaching business to the non-diet model and I shared the details of my business transition to the anti-diet model in season 1 of the Pro’s podcast series.
I’d like to give you an inside view into my anti-diet health coaching business more precisely what I wish I knew before starting my anti-diet health coaching business.
As I say in every episode of the Going Beyond The Food podcast: Ready? Let’s do this!
By the way, if you would like to access more details, hear my personal story that created each one of these learning head over to our podcast and listen to Season 2 Episode 2 – My Non-diet business journey episode or listen directly below:
What I wish I knew before starting my non-diet health coaching business
- It’s about helping others, not turning a profit. Profit will come naturally as you help others and live your life in your zone of genius.
- You can make a great living as an anti-diet health coach in a career helping others deeply despite what anyone says.
- 6 P’s: Proper Planning Prevent Piss Poor Performance. You need to be strategic about your business and organize yourself. What you should do is not always what you wish you could do.
- Learn how to coach people. Coaching is not – this is how I did it so that’s the way. What worked for me is not what will work for my client. Coaching is a skill.
- Create goals and apply consistent action. Show up consistently day in and day out in your business. Take one action at bare minimum daily.
- Asking for help is ok. Your client asked for you, so should you.
- Use technology so you can maximize your time being a coach. Technology can help, but don’t forget that health coaching is about the people.
- Trying to be everything to everyone is a straight road to failure. Pick a niche and become the world expert at it.
- Growing a business is not linear. There will be more downs than ups. Successful businesses don’t happen overnight. It takes time.
- Be unapologetically YOU. Don’t copy what other non-diet coaches are doing. Your clients want to work with you.
The anti-diet approach certification program
The Non-Diet Coaching Certification is a space where you can receive support guidance to become the best non-diet professional. It’s a program geared to refine your non-diet professional skills set and teach you the skills you need to build a successful business that can impact thousands of women. It will help you develop as a powerful leader and help other women come back to their power. You will learn how to harness your ability to support and help other women. As a result, you can impact thousands of other women and dismantle diet culture.
Anti-diet training for health coaches
We have created a number of free non-diet approach training resources to help you begin learning more about this revolutionary health approach. Join my non-diet professional community by requesting our non-diet professional starter pack.
I would suggest you also subscribe to anti-diet podcast and start with episode 199 and follow through up to the latest one.
Starting an anti-diet coaching business
Starting an anti-diet coaching business (also referred to by some as an intuitive eating business) is simple. It is the same as starting any other business: You create a product, in the anti-diet health coaching business this would be a coaching package, and you go out into the world and sell this product.
My anti-diet business journey
My first business in the world of health coaching was actually a nutrition clinic in Toronto Canada. Five years ago, I transitioned my health coaching business to the non-diet model and I shared the details of my business transition to the anti-diet model in season 1 of the Pro’s podcast series.
What I wish I knew before starting my non-diet health coaching business
1. It’s about helping others, not turning a profit.
2. You can make a great living as an anti-diet health coach.
3. 6 P’s: Proper Planning Prevent Piss Poor Performance.
4. Learn how to coach people.
5. Create goals and apply consistent action.
6. Asking for help is ok.
7. Use technology so you can maximize your time being a coach.
8. Trying to be everything to everyone is a straight road to failure.
9. Growing a business is not linear.
10. Be unapologetically YOU.
Ready to take the next steps
The anti-diet approach mentorship program
You can access all of our services on our work with us page. We have a number of programs and service levels enabling us to serve most women:
Free Resources and Masterclasses: Get started and get to know us better!
Private coaching with Stephanie and her team Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches are waiting to support you in a one-to-one setting with an individualized plan.
Undiet Your Life group coaching program is for women to learn how to eat intuitively, become body neutral, and learn self-coaching at their own pace while being supported in a group setting by Stephanie and her team of Certified Non-Diet Coaches.
Non-Diet Coaching Certification for professionals ready to integrate the Going Beyond The Food Method™️ in their practice and for women wanting to become Certified Coach and build a business coaching other women beyond the food.
Good Money Business Mastermind A business mentorship and a collective of ambitious, driven and empowered anti-diet culture providers and coaches on a mission to dismantle diet culture and make GOOD money doing it!
Non-Diet Approach for Health Coaching
When I first started in my nutrition practice the term “non-diet approach” didn’t even cross my mind. “Anti-diet approach” didn’t even exist. Unbeknown to me, I was practicing the “diet approach to nutrition” simply because that’s what was taught in health & nutrition school.
Fast forward close to 10 years now, a lot have changed. The non-diet approach is growing rapidly, so has the anti-diet approach and intuitive eating is booming.
So, let’s discover what is the non-diet approach.
Core values of the non-diet approach
The pillars of the non-diet approach
Non-diet approach training for professionals
What is the non-diet approach?
The non-diet approach to health coaching & nutrition is the exact opposite of dieting. It recognizes that food, eating and body weight aren’t the problem to be fixed. It’s a weight-neutral approach to health instead of focusing on a weight-oriented outcome. This approach focused on all the other factors that can impact one’s health beyond body weight. In other words, the ultimate goal is to support the patients to become their own experts at their bodies.
The Going Beyond The Food Method™️ is our proprietary methodology that helps women to recover from diet culture and learn the non-diet way of life. Firstly, our 4 pillars are Body Wisdom, Body Trust, Body Respect, and Body Neutrality. Secondly, our framework is composed of 5 steps process: Intuitive eating, Body Neutrality, Self-Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, and Mindfulness.
Core values of the non-diet approach
The non-diet approach to health coaching and nutrition holds key core values: Fundamentally, it recognizes that diets do not work. It’s holistic in nature. It is focused on the Why not the What, it’s focused on finding solution that are based on love and compassion. Moreover, it believes that all humans and bodies are worthy.
Diets don’t work
A 2016 study by researchers at UCLA studied 40,420 adult participants in the most recent U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers looked at the participants’ health as measured by six accepted metrics (not including BMI). These metrics are blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, insulin resistance, and C-reactive protein.
The study found that 47% of people classified as overweight by BMI and 29% of those qualified as obese were healthy based on at least five of those other metrics.
Meanwhile, 31% of normal-weight people were unhealthy by two or more of the same measures.
A number of research studies show that weight loss is not necessary to improve physical health. Studies have also found that fitness is more predictive for mortality than weight. This study defined ‘fit’ as 3-4 hrs per week of walking.
Note: “Fit” is not synonymous with “thin” or “lean.” That’s Diet Culture. Being fit means being in good health, especially because of regular physical movement.
Furthermore, trying to change your health status simply by losing weight has not only proven to be an ineffective approach but also carries potential negative side effects to your health. The focus on intentional weight loss via dieting can be harmful. Multiple studies demonstrate negative side effects of dieting behaviors. The three most documented negative effects are weight cycling, disordered eating, and weight stigma.
The non-diet approach for health coaching is holistic
The World Health Organization defines health as “a complete state of physical, emotional, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The non-diet approach is a weight-neutral approach to health is based on the idea that your health status or risk level can’t be determined solely by your weight.
Instead it recognized that humans are more than a physical body: mental, emotional, spiritual and physical human bodies.
Its focus is on the WHY instead of the WHAT
The non-diet approach looks at the root cause of the behaviors. For example, when considering nutrition it considers why the individual is eating instead what the individual is eating. What we eat, how we eat and when we eat come second to why we eat.
Compassion versus fear-based threat
The non-diet approach will help the client switch his approach to health behavior to one of compassion for self. It will help form a relationship of respect towards one’s body helping the client to make choice based in love for body and self instead of fear (fear of disease, fear of weight gain, fear of other people opinion, etc…)
All humans are worthy; All bodies are worthy
The non-diet approach is grounded in the fact that all humans are worthy therefore all bodies are worthy. The non-diet recognizes the danger to one’s health when face with any stigma, discrimination or prejudice.
Therefore, the non-diet approach must be anti-discriminatory: anti-fatphobia, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-transphobia, anti-classist, non-binary, etc.
The pillars of the non-diet approach for health coaching
When practicing the non-diet approach to health and nutrition with clients, practitioners must follow a sequential order in their approach. Although adaptable in nature, some fundamental pillars must be in place
1. Investigation of belief and history
The first step is for the practitioner to have a clear understanding of the current state of their clients/ patients relationship to food and body. A number of assessments are available: Intuitive eating assessment, Body Acceptance Assessment and Dieting Impact Inventory.
Next, the practitioner will help the client understand how they go to be where they are right now using a dieting timeline. It’s very important for the patient to understand that it’s not their fault but instead diet culture.
2. Mindset & Unlearning Diet Culture
The next phase of the non-diet approach is the most important: unlearning. Unlearning the diet mindset, dogmatic beliefs about food and exercise, the thin ideal, etc..
When we trained professional inThe Going Beyond The Food Method™ our practitioners are trained in a Cognitive Behavior Therapy approach called Self-Coaching. This will be the tool they will teach their client to help them unlearn Diet Culture.
3. Attunement & Reconnecting
As the client progress in unlearning diet culture the next steps will be to help patient to reconnect with their body via body sensation. Using various mindfulness approach our graduates of our non-diet certification have a number of tools available to them to teach their client attuned with their body.
The first set of sensations we focus on with the clients are eating cues: hunger, fullness and satisfaction. Gradually, clients will be able to trust their own ability to read and interpret their innate body sensations.
4. Emotional Intelligence & Processing
As the client gets more attuned to her own innate body wisdom, the focus will shift to building skills set to process emotions & feelings. One of the most effective tools for this step is deconstruction of the eating behavior using two questions: What am I feeling? and What do I need?
The outcome of these pillars is to build emotional intelligence and shift the individual engagement with their emotions from Reacting to Responding.
5. Empowerment & Relearning
The non-diet approach is truly beyond the food and this next pillar is the reason behind this powerful transformative process.
To help build empowerment, the process of habituation will be use to help client regain power over fear foods. Gradually reclaiming their power at first with food and naturally expanding their empowerment to other part of their life using their inner wisdom.
6. Respect & Liberation
In this last step practitioner will support client in the process of rebuilding a relationship of respect with their own body. Engaging in body image healing using body neutrality and Health At Every Size approach to help build an inventory of health promoting behaviors.
At this point in the process client is also ready to re-engage with food using a gentle nutrition philosophy and with exercise using a joyful movement approach.
Non-diet approach training for professional
We have created a number of free non-diet approach training resources to help you begin learning more about this revolutionary health approach. Join my non-diet professional community by requesting our non-diet professional starter pack.
You can also listen to our non-diet podcast.
The non-diet approach mentorship program
The Going Beyond The Food non-diet approach mentorship program is a space where you can receive support guidance to become the best non-diet professional. It’s a program geared to refine your non-diet professional skills set and teach you the skills you need to build a successful business that can impact thousands of women. It will help you develop as a powerful leader and help other women come back to their power. You will learn how to harness your ability to support and help other women. As a result, you can impact thousands of other women and dismantle diet culture.
Non-Diet Approach FAQs
The non-diet approach to health & nutrition is the exact opposite of dieting. It recognizes that food, eating and body weight aren’t the problem to be fixed.
It’s a weight-neutral approach to health instead of focusing on a weight-oriented outcome. This approach focused on all the other factors that can impact one’s health beyond body weight. In other words, the ultimate goal is to support the patients to become their own experts at their bodies.
The non-diet approach to health and nutrition holds key core values: Fundamentally, it recognizes that diets do not work. It’s holistic in nature. It is focused on the Why not the What, it’s focused on finding solution that are based on love and compassion. Moreover, it believes that all humans and bodies are worthy.
1. Investigation of belief and history
2. Mindset & Unlearning Diet Culture
3. Attunement & Reconnecting
4. Emotional Intelligence & Processing
5. Empowerment & Relearning
6. Respect & Liberation
We have created a number of free non-diet approach training resources to help you begin learning more about this revolutionary health approach. Join my non-diet professional community by requesting our non-diet professional starter pack.
You can also listen to our non-diet podcast.
The Going Beyond The Food non-diet approach mentorship program is a space where you can receive support guidance to become the best non-diet professional. It’s a program geared to refine your non-diet professional skills set and teach you the skills you need to build a successful business that can impact thousands of women.
Non-Diet Business Training
Non-Diet Business Training is essential for any women health entrepreneurs starting their business adventure in the non-diet health approach.
Your business success means women’s learning how to ditch diet culture. Your willingness to accept that your business success means more lives transformed is key to your being successful in your professional journey.
In the same way you ask your client/patient to invest in themselves by working with you: are you investing in yourself to be successful in your business?
Non-Diet Business Training
In episode 2 of season 1 of the Pro series, we discovered why crafting a business strategy is so important to your overall business. Without the foundation of a strategy, there’s very little chance your business will grow and transform hundreds of women’s lives.
In today’s episode, we will discover the various business model available to you to create your business strategy. A business model is a framework for how you will create value. It answers fundamental questions about the problem you are going to solve, how you will solve it, and the growth opportunity within a given market.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- What is a business model
- Why it’s important to have a business model
- Look behind the scene of my business model
- The one thing that most important to your business success
Mentioned in the show:
Mentorship Program
Free Intuitive Eating Guide
PRO Series – Free Training & Resources
PRO Podcast series – Full listing
Our Anti-Racism Commitment
For most of my life, I have been one of those liberal inclusive feminists who believe that I wasn’t racist. I could have listed many reasons to demonstrate how I wasn’t racist. That’s until last weekend.
And then someone sent me this quote:
“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
— Angela Davis
I was well verse in thin privilege but not for one minute did I thought about white privileges. That ignorance is what hurts black people.
I’m sorry. I am listening. I am learning.
To the black people in our community, you are in my heart and prayers but most importantly, my actions.
What am I doing?
I’m being a student: this is not my area of expertise so I found teachers. Just like a toddler taking her first step I’m trying, making mistakes, and learning. I stumble and stand up again.
I’m investigating how my white privilege is showing up… Neither I’m staying silent while I’m learning because our silence as a white people is complicit in perpetuating systemic racism. I’m speaking to my followers, students, clients, and YOU right here right now.
I am leading.
I’m committed to the work of anti-racism. As the CEO of Beyond The Food I’m committing this company to be anti-racist.
Here’s a few tools I’d like to share with you on anti-racism
1. I discovered this site that answered all of my questions and give me next steps . Anti-Racist Resources Center
2. I watched some movies and documentaries that were mind-blowing: 13th on Netflix, Selma on iTunes & Harriet on iTtunes.
3. I donate to The Loveland Foundation that supports access to therapy for black women and girls.
4. I want to share with you my favorite teacher, Rachel E. Cargle. Go watch her Public Address.
Feminism and Diet Culture
Statistics may vary to the exact % but one thing is clear: most women are dissatisfied with their body.
Research released by Dove, for their ‘Self-Esteem Project’, found that 96% of women in the UK reported feeling anxious about the way they look, compared with 86% in China, 72% in Brazil, and 61% in the US. Only 4% of the women in all the countries surveyed would consider themselves ‘beautiful’, and by the time girls reach 17, 78% will be ‘unhappy with their bodies’.
Women don’t diet because they enjoy dieting. Women who diet do it because they think they have to. These women think they are their body, thus, their bodies’ ability to meet the diet culture expectations define their worth.
Helping women leave and recover from diet culture is a feminist issue.
Why a non-diet approach for women?
The intersection between diet culture & women history
Women socialization to diet culture
Women internalization of diet culture
Non-diet Approach for women Professional Training
Non-diet Approach for women mentorship
If you would like to listen to the article in audio format the Going Beyond The Food Show – Pro Series Season 1 Episode 6
Links mentioned in the episode…
feminism and diet culture
Why a non-diet approach for women?
When women first seek to stop dieting, they think they need to “fix” their “food issue”. After years of dieting they’ve been told in many different ways that the issue was them, not the food. That if they could eat “normally” they would finally achieve their “normal body”. Sounds familiar?
It’s normal that your future client thinks like this… that’s all they’ve ever known. They’ve spent their life wondering why they struggle with food and if they could only “fix what’s wrong with them and food,” life would unlock their dreams.
The truth is: they have no issues with food. In fact, as we discovered in S1 EP 1 Intuitive eating Mentorship – First do no harm for us, as practitioners, to validate their thoughts about food and them being the issue can cause more harm. The way they engage with food now is the result of the restriction of dieting. Dieting is the issue not food. But why do your clients diet? As we’ve learned in the last episode: fatphobia: the fear of fatness.
A weight-neutral approach to health
The non-diet approach helps clients stop dieting, make peace with food and body image. It’s a weight-neutral approach to health that helps people reconnect to their innate power and become their own expert at their bodies.
Although the non-diet approach is gender-neutral, I believe that a segment of the healing approach should address the specific forces pulling at each gender/ sex: Cis-women, Cis-men, Trans, Genderqueer, non-binary, etc… I believe that each gender should have non-diet professionals that understand the specificities and struggle for each group for the best care.
The Going Beyond The Food Method™️ is for people that identify as women. I created this methodology based on my experience as a cis-woman over the last 45 years. As a person in a women’s body who has been exposed to the force of patriarchy and its attempt to control me as a woman and my body.
feminism and diet culture
Feminism & diet culture
First, let’s take a step back and understand patriarchy. Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of properties. Patriarchy views men as dominant and women as submissive.
One of the many ways in which patriarchy attempts to dominate women is by exerted forces that dictate how women handle their bodies: reproduction, sexuality, beauty, and yes, body size and shape.
Most recently over the last 100 years, Diet Culture has become the cultural form of oppression on women’s bodies. Diet culture judges women’s worth based on their physical body size and looks. It assigns moral values to the ability of women to meet up with their standards.
The diet culture keeps women focusing on their bodies. Dieting keeps women distracted on food, exercise, and trying harder at restricting instead of using their innate resources to achieving much more important things in their life. Given that the tools proposed to women to achieve their “ideal body according to patriarchy” doesn’t work, it keeps women thinking they are the problem and not the diet. Women keep doubting themselves, their abilities, their capacities, and their obsession with trying to make up for what they are told are a personal failure to achieve the “good enough body”.
It is my belief as a health professional that women must understand why they “chase” a smaller body to their healing and recovery. For women, to truly liberate themselves from diet culture and its chain, they must know why society created it in the first place.
The intersection between diet culture & women history
If you look through history, their beauty or body didn’t always control women. Instead, their ability to procreate and religion controlled women. It’s not until recently that women’s bodies became the center of attention.
The mid 19th century
The feminist movement was beginning to form as women gain access to education. Women involved themselves in the abolition movement and women continued asking for their own political power. As women become more vocal and demanding more power, patriarchy responded with pressure on women’s bodies to be smaller.
feminism and diet culture
The Gibson Girl
The Gibson Girl was born in 1880. This was the personification of the feminine ideal of physical attractiveness as portrayed by male artist Charles Dana Gibson. This body female ideal was heavily promoted and published via the new magazine and printing industry. So, ensure product advertisement ways to look like Gibson’s girl: beauty products, pills, cream, arsenic pills, etc…Diet culture was born. This period also introduced ready-made clothes and women needed to “fit” clothes when up to then clothes were made to fit women.
feminism and diet culture
The Flapper girl
As the suffragette movement began to gain the right to vote in many countries, the Flapper girl was born. Women became “liberated” from the Gibson girl corset only to find themselves binding their natural feminine curve into the linear look of the 1920’s. Thinness was a sign of “perceived freedom” for women. This solidified the diet culture.
feminism and diet culture
Twiggy
With every gain in socio-economic power, women gained a smaller and smaller body ideal. Whereas the first-wave feminism in the early 90’s focused mainly on suffrage and political power, the second-wave feminism that began in the late 1960’s was focused on equality issues. That’s when Twiggy became the first supermodel; willowy, thin, adolescent physique.
feminism and diet culture
The 80’s
In the 80’s as women affirmed their new equality, came the low-calories, low-fat, and aerobic era with Jane Fonda as the leader. Calories counting began and this is when women became obsessed with dieting.
feminism and diet culture
And it continues up to today. The 90’s saw Kate Moss as the body ideal for all women. With an even smaller body than Twiggy, women’s ideal was body waifish, extremely thin described as “Heroin Chic”. The ’00s saw the Victoria Secret angels, and today we have the influencer healthy body ideal throne by the Kardashian.
“A culture fixated on female thinness is not an obsession about female beauty, but an obsession about female obedience. Dieting is the most potent political sedative in women’s history; a quietly mad population is a tractable one”
– Naomi Wolfe
Women socialization to diet culture
Socialization is the process of internalizing the norms and ideologies of society. It may lead to a desirable outcome and in certain aspects of life ensure our survival.
Socialization to diet culture and female body ideal happens at a very young for women. When were you gifted your first Barbie?
Among many societal behaviors, Their body, their beauty, and being a “good girl” defined women. Society conditioned women to please using their bodies. While society defined boys to be strong, intelligent, and non-emotional.
Most women who diet chronically today encountered their first diet in their early teens. They first observed their female caregiver being “dissatisfied” with their body and dieting. As these women entered their puberty and began awakening to being attractive, they engage with their first diet. Worse, some women experienced diet before the age of 10 as their parents wanted to prevent the “shame” of being in a non-conventional body.
feminism and diet culture
Women internalization of diet culture
The process of internalization pertains to the person’s acceptance of a set of norms and values established by others and learned through socialization.
Women internalized diet culture in their teens leading to adulthood. This is when of having to please, as a woman, using among other things our body moves from outside of our own mind to being part of our own mind. At that point, diet culture has shaped who we are as a woman.
As we discussed in a previous article Non-diet Approach: Addressing the root cause, fatphobia is at the root as to why women diet. The process of diet culture internalization leads women to be fatphobic. They fear of being fat. They fear others judging their body as a fat body. It’s said that women fear weight gain more than illness.
Women’s fear of being in a non-confirming body is validated daily. Hundreds, if not thousands of times, marketing images and words, social media, conversation with other women, medical treatment, the beauty industry, etc… remind women that they should fear to be in a non-thin ideal body.
To cope with this constant pressure, women adapt. Diet Brain is a term I coined that best expresses how women adapt to diet culture socialization and internalization. To adapt, women become people-pleasers, we expect perfection for ourselves in the hope to offset our inability to be in a confirming body ideal. While the solution to achieve this thin ideal, “dieting” has a 91-95% failure rate, we blame ourselves for it not working so we adopt an “All or nothing” mindset when it comes to food and health.
This adaptation process is unique to people identifying as women and is the reason why Non-Diet Coaching Certification is essential for health professionals helping women recover from diet culture.
“Your dislike of yourself is a side effect of the POISON you are being fed. None of this messaging is real. Your inner bully has learned the lies society fed it, and is giving you fake news about your looks, your value, your worth, your right to be happy. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this crap. Diet Culture is just making you hate yourself for a profit”
– Naomie Wolfe
Dieting is a feminist issue
Opting out of diet culture as a woman is more than simply stopping dieting. It’s a feminist act. When we stop buying into the diet culture definition of what being a woman is, we reclaim our power back. We say no to being our bodies. We say yes to trusting and respecting ourselves first.
Helping women recover from the diet culture must include the education to how we got to be where we are today as women. That we were capable to feed ourselves, to care for ourselves, and to be more than our bodies. The socialization and internalization of diet culture are what created the beliefs that lead us to dieting and trying to fit in using our own body against ourselves.
One of the paths to reclaim our power from the diet culture can be with intuitive eating. Using our source of shame, that is food, can actually rebuild a relationship of trust and respect towards our own selves. As we reconnect to our innate body wisdom, we get to witness the power that is within us.
As we build confidence in our innate capacity to feed ourselves, we can continue to use diet culture source of shame to regain our power as women. Healing our body image and crafting a new way to be in our human body shell is not only necessary but very empowering.
“If your self-esteem is dependent on external result, you have given all your happiness and agency away. It’s an exhausting, and powerless way to live.”
Women empowerment
Individual autonomy is this idea that refers to the capacity to be one’s own person, to live one’s life according to reasons and motives as one’s own and not the product of manipulative or distorting external forces.
Leaving the jail of diet culture is a revolutionary act for women to not only be autonomous but to claim their power back from a patriarchal society that suppressed our empowerment.
In today’s society, the greatest punishment is to take away people’s autonomy and freedom by sending them to jail. Diet culture has taken women’s autonomy and freedom. Diet culture robs women of the capacity to be in their now body, to feed themselves naturally, to wear clothes they desire, to decide their own beauty standards, etc…
Helping women recover from diet culture is truly about empowering women to live their full life today… unconditionally. Choosing to accept your body is hard but doing hard “things” is what builds confidence in women… not body size. Saying ‘no’ to outside control and ‘yes’ to inner power is what builds self-esteem in women, not beauty.
Non-diet Approach for women Training
The non-diet approach is the exact opposite of dieting. It’s a weight-neutral approach to health and nutrition that empowers women to become the expert of their own body. That shifts women from being their body to supporting their body so they can live their full life… right now!
The Going Beyond The Food Method™️ is our proprietary methodology that helps women to recover from diet culture and learn the non-diet way of life. Firstly, our 4 pillars are Body Wisdom, Body Trust, Body Respect, and Body Neutrality. Secondly, our framework is composed of 5 steps process: Intuitive Eating, Body Neutrality, Self-Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, and Mindfulness.
You can learn and transform your life with the Going Beyond The Food Method with our two signature program.
Undiet Your Life Program was created for women to learn self-coaching, a powerful mindset self-coaching tool to unlearn diet culture & patriarchy socialization along side with Intuitive Eating and Body Neutrality.
Non-Diet Coaching Certification was created for providers and coaches wanting to deliver the Non-Diet Approach in their practice following the Going Beyond The Food Method.
Want to know if the Non-Diet Approach and The Going Beyond The Food Method can be of support to you? Get my starter pack and complete the three assessment: eating, body image and mindset.
You can also listen to our non-diet podcast.
Non-Diet Approach Certification program
The Going Beyond The Food non-diet coaching certification program is a space where you can receive support guidance to become the best non-diet professional. It’s a program that will refine your non-diet professional skills set to empower women and teach you the skills you need to build a successful business that can impact thousands of women.
It helps you develop as a powerful leader and help other women come back to their power. You learn how to harness your ability to support and help other women. As a result, you can impact thousands of other women and dismantle diet culture.
Welcome!
I’m Stephanie Dodier
Non-Diet Nutritionist & Coach
I teach and coach women how to break free from the socialized thinking of diet culture and liberate yourself from unrelenting pressure to be thinner so that you can eat in a way that truly supports your well-being and start living the life you’ll look back on with no regrets.
Join me in leading the feminist health coaching revolution!
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