The #1 Way to Beat Diet Overwhelm and Finally Just Start

nutrition

Have you ever found yourself stuck — knowing you want to make changes to your diet, but feeling so overwhelmed by all the things you “should” be doing that you end up doing… nothing?

I call this big picture overwhelm — that feeling when you’re so focused on everything you need to fix that it feels impossible to start anything.

You know the drill:
“I need to eat better.”
“I should meal prep.”
“I need more vegetables… and water… and protein.”

Before you know it, you’re staring at your fridge wondering where to even begin — and feeling guilty for not having it all figured out.

Here’s the truth: if you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not broken. You’re just human.

When Diet Goals Feel Too Big to Start

As a nutrition and mindset coach, I see this play out all the time. Someone sets a goal — maybe it’s losing weight, improving performance in the gym, or just feeling better day to day — and they immediately get hit with decision fatigue.

There’s so much information out there. So many “rules.” So many things you could be doing “better.”

And when everything feels important, nothing gets done.

That’s why, instead of trying to do it all, I teach my clients to shrink the story.

Shrink the Story to Just Start

When you catch yourself in that big-picture thinking — “I need to meal prep, eat cleaner, drink more water, track my macros, cut sugar, hit the gym…” — pause.

Then ask yourself:

What’s the smallest step I can take right now to move forward?

Maybe it’s something as simple as:

“I’m going to eat protein at every meal this week.”
“I’ll fill my water bottle twice a day.”
“I’ll prep one easy lunch I actually look forward to.”

That’s it. That’s your starting line.

It doesn’t have to be a full meal plan or a perfect week. You just need momentum.

Why This Works

One of my favorite quotes from philosopher Alan Watts says:

“Action dispels overwhelm.”

When you take even the smallest action, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. You create a tiny bit of success — and that success builds momentum.

Each small win lifts the fog of overwhelm and gives you the confidence to do a little more. Before long, your “small story” expands — not because you forced motivation, but because you built it through action.

Stop Overthinking. Just Start.

If you’re feeling stuck in diet overwhelm right now, don’t wait for the “perfect” plan or the “right” time. Those things don’t exist.

Start small. Pick one thing that feels doable this week — and do it well.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly things shift when you take that first step.

🎥 Watch the Video

If this message resonated with you, I dive deeper into this concept — and share exactly how to break free from diet overwhelm — in my latest YouTube video:

👉 The #1 Way to Beat Diet Overwhelm and Finally Just Start

💡 Ready to Take the First Step?

If you want a simple, no-stress way to start eating better, grab my Free Meal Prep Guide below.

It’s packed with practical tips and easy strategies to help you plan, prep, and actually enjoy healthy meals — without spending hours in the kitchen.

👉 Join My 30 Well Fed Kick-Start

And if you are seriously ready to go, and struggling to know where to start, my 30 Day KickStart will tell you exactly what to do, for 30 days, to have you feeling on track and rolling with your diet and weight loss goals. (And it's packed with resources and recipes, AND it's only $19 right now)!

You've got this,

Coach Ashleigh 🦈

Well Fed Health Programs