September Struggle? I Hear You!

September is here, and with it comes the flood of ‘back to school,’ ‘back to routine,’ and ‘new January’ messages filling our feeds. For some, it’s an exciting opportunity to lose weight and get their health back on track, ready to dive in as soon as the school gates open! But for many, it’s a different story. The pressure to focus on health and weight loss can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and unsure where to begin—resulting in no action being taken to shed those extra pounds that crept on over the summer.

Sound familiar?

 

After a summer of being everything to everyone, it’s understandable if you’re feeling disconnected from your health goals. With the kids back at school and routines settling down, it’s important to remember that there’s no “perfect” time to start your weight loss journey. If you’re dealing with low energy, constant snacking, mood swings, and summer weight gain, starting small can make all the difference. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do this alone either.

As mums, we face unique challenges when it comes to health and weight management, and the demands of family life can leave us feeling disconnected from our own wellbeing. Add a busy schedule into the mix, and starting yet another weight loss or fitness plan can feel daunting.

Let me tell you: by adopting long-term habits and making a few small but impactful changes, you can regain control of your health, lose weight, and, most importantly, sustain those results over time. This approach encompasses all aspects of health—nutrition, exercise, sleep, self-care, and stress management—which ultimately all have an impact on your weight.

Here Are Some Simple Tips to Get You Started If You Want to Make Changes This September:

  1. Start Small and Build Momentum

    Overhauling your entire routine isn’t always practical. Instead, focus on one small change at a time. A great place to start is your morning routine. Consider simple health tweaks like drinking more water—lemon and Celtic sea salt in the morning is my new favourite—or committing to an online yoga, Pilates, or strength training class a few times a week. You could also set your alarm a little earlier or prep a protein-rich breakfast the night before that you can eat on the go or when you get to work.

     

  2. Focus on Protein and Fibre

    Forget counting points or syns. Instead, focus on adding more protein and fibre to your diet. Aim for 30g of protein at each meal, and try to add 1–2 more fruits or veggies each day. With this focus, you’ll naturally start eating better, as many protein-rich foods are unprocessed and easy to build meals around—think chicken, salmon, prawns, tofu, cottage cheese, eggs, and beef.

     

  3. Schedule “Me Time” for Health

    Your schedule may be packed, but making time for your health is essential. Plan regular exercise, meal prepping, a long bath, or a tech-free evening. Treat this time like any other important appointment—it’s an investment in you. Why not join me on Sunday 8th September at 8pm for a “Salad in a Jar” workshop to get the ball rolling?

     

  4. Don’t Go It Alone

    One of the biggest hurdles is feeling like you have to do everything yourself. Accountability and support are key to long-term success. Whether it’s a friend, a group, or working with a coach like me, having someone by your side can make all the difference in sticking to your goals.

     

  5. Give Yourself Grace

    This journey is about progress, not perfection. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins and don’t let setbacks derail you. Remember, lasting change takes time.

So, what’s your plan this September? Take a moment to scribble down your intention in a notebook and you’ll more likely to follow it through.

Jeanette 🙂

P.S.: If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start seeing real, long-term results, I’m here to help. I specialise in working with mums over 40—no more quick fixes or fad diets—just sustainable habits and a new way of thinking that will empower you to feel strong, confident, and in control of your health.

I have 1:1 spaces available, so send me an email at hello@jeanettetownsend.com with the word ‘HEALTH’, and I’ll get back to you.

P.P.S.: Don’t forget to join me for the “Salad in a Jar” workshop on Sunday, 8th September 2024. Email me with the word ‘SALAD’ for the details! If you miss this one, don’t worry I normally run them for FREE each month.