5 Common Nutrition Struggles I See (And Why You’re Not Failing)

If you feel like you’re trying to eat well but still struggling with weight, energy, or hunger, it is something I come across all the time.

I see the same challenges come up again and again with clients, especially women in their 40s and older. Not because they don’t care, and definitely not because they lack discipline, but because their bodies, lives, and needs have changed.

Here are the top five nutrition struggles I see most often, and why none of them are a personal failure.

1. Doing “All the Right Things”… With Little to Show for It

This is one of the most frustrating places to be.

You’re eating “healthy,” cutting back, moving your body, yet the scales won’t budge, energy is flat, and clothes still feel tight. Many women assume this means they need to try harder or be stricter.

In reality, it often means:

• You’re under-fuelling

• Your meals aren’t balanced for your body

• What worked years ago no longer works the same way

Your body isn’t broken, it’s giving feedback.

2. Not Eating Enough Protein (Without Realising It)

This one comes up in almost every first session.

Breakfasts like cereal, toast, smoothies, or chia puddings look healthy, but don’t keep you full for long. Lunch might be light or non-existent, and by mid-afternoon hunger and cravings kick in.

Protein is essential for:

• Feeling satisfied after meals

• Supporting muscle (especially as we age)

• Steadier energy and appetite

Most women simply aren’t eating enough of it, especially earlier in the day.

3. Constant Hunger and Cravings

Many clients tell me:

This isn’t a willpower problem.

It’s usually caused by:

• Skipped or light meals

• Meals built too low in protein and fibre

• Big gaps between eating

• Blood sugar ups and downs

When your body doesn’t feel consistently fuelled, it will ask for quick energy, often in the form of snacks, sugar, or evening overeating.

4. Feeling Overwhelmed by Conflicting Advice

Low carb. High carb. Fasting. No fasting. Eat intuitively. Track everything.

It’s no wonder people feel confused.

Social media is loud, extreme, and often not designed for real life, especially not for women managing work, family, stress, sleep, and hormonal changes.

This overwhelm often leads to:

• Second-guessing every food choice

• Jumping from one approach to another

• Doing nothing because it all feels too hard

Simple, consistent fundamentals usually matter far more than the latest trend.

5. Poor Meal Planning When Life Gets Busy

Most people don’t struggle with motivation, they struggle with decision fatigue.

When there’s no plan:

• Meals become rushed

• Convenience foods creep in

• Hunger drives choices rather than intention

By the time midweek hits, everyone is tired, and nutrition becomes one more thing to juggle.

Having a few go-to meals and a loose plan can make eating well feel far easier, even on busy weeks.

If you recognise yourself in any of these, please know this:

• You’re not failing

• You don’t need another strict plan

• There is a solution

What most people need is clarity, structure, and support, so nutrition works with their life, not against it. I’m currently developing a new program for those who know what to eat but struggle with consistency. It will focus on regular check-ins, reviewing food and progress, setting clear goals, and making small adjustments in real time, especially when things feel busy or off track. Keep a look out for this over the next week or message me for more info.