72. 2 Hour Sessions, Low Calorie ...

72. 2 Hour Sessions, Low Calorie Diets and Learning From My Own Big Mistakes!

The Fit and Unfiltered Podcast by Nicola Graham
S3 · E43
Aug 5, 2026
47:38

Episode notes

In this episode I am getting completely unfiltered about what I have learned from being a client of multiple coaches over 20 years and how those experiences, good and bad, shaped everything I do inside Thriving Women today.

I also share a full debrief from my 10 day holiday in Majorca, including upgrading to all inclusive, and why having the right mindset, standards and approach to moderation meant I came home feeling just as confident and energised as when I left.

I talk honestly about the parts of the coaching industry that I think are doing real damage. The impersonal check ins, the unrealistic 1200 to 1300 calorie targets, the programmes that completely ignore postpartum limitations and injuries. And I explain why harsh deficits lead to poor adherence, untracked eating and increased food noise rather than results.

My goal with every client is always to eat as much as possible while still making progress. I share why whole food, menu style guidance works better than rigid meal plans, how whole foods naturally reduce cravings and why I will always prioritise consistency, sleep and stress management over obsessing about calories.

I also open up about my dad's late onset Type 1 diabetes and how that deepened my focus on real health beyond just aesthetics.

If you have ever felt let down by a coach, struggled with food noise or wondered why the plan you are following is not working, this episode is for you.

PS. I have been nominated for:

Best Fitness Podcast ➡️ Nicola Graham Podcast

Best Fitness Influencer ➡️ Nicola Graham

All votes and support are highly appreciated 🤍

https://www.britishfitnessaward.com/bfa26nominations

If you found this episode valuable and wanted to hear more from The Nicola Graham Podcast, make sure to like, subscribe and share.

Looking for further support? This is how You Can Work With Me...

Join my free online community 'Thriving Women' https://nicolagrahamfitness.com/thrivingwomen

Check out my group online coaching membership 'Thrive Lifestyle' https://nicolagrahamfitness.com/thrivelifestyle

If you're interested in 1-1 coaching, drop me a DM via my Instagram www.instagram.com/nicolagrahamfitness

And if you want to get in touch? Send me an email via nicolagrahampodcast@gmail.com

00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup

02:55 Majorca Holiday Debrief

07:25 All Inclusive Mindset

11:26 Coaching Industry Reality

15:21 Low Calorie Diet Trap

20:01 Scale Weight vs Feeling Fit

23:05 Meal Plans That Backfire

29:56 Whole Foods and Food Noise

34:33 Health Wake Up Call

41:35 Boring Habits That Work

44:14 Support and Final Takeaways

47:02 Join Thriving Women

Keywords

fitness
nutrition
lifestyle
mindset
Motherhood
Mum life
health and wellness