Ever wish you could pick a nutritionist’s brain without booking a full appointment? You’re not alone.
In this Q&A, I’ve pulled together the most common questions I get – about weight loss, snacking, meal timing, and how to actually feel good in your body without counting every bite.
🧩 What’s the Best Framework for Weight Loss?
Think of weight loss like a triangle:
1️⃣ How much you eat (calories)
2️⃣ What you eat (protein, fibre, carbs, fats)
3️⃣ How you do it (habits, planning, consistency)
You can’t skip the base – the how much. You need a calorie deficit to lose weight, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Exercise helps widen the gap and improve long-term health.
Once you’ve got that down, focus on what you eat:
- Prioritise protein and fibre
- Keep starchy carbs in check
- Be mindful of fats — they add up fast
Then comes the how – the systems that make good nutrition doable. This is where tools like my Worth Your Weight program come in: habits, routines, “Plan B” meals, and small wins that stack up.

🥗 How Can I Manage Hunger While in a Calorie Deficit?
If you’re in a calorie deficit and constantly hungry:
- Check your protein and fibre intake.
- Add healthy fats for satiety.
- Avoid cutting calories too aggressively.
Sometimes adding a small, high-protein snack (like from my Snack Guide) can keep hunger in check while still losing weight sustainably.
⚖️ Can I Target Fat Loss Around My Tummy or Thighs?
Unfortunately, no. Spot reduction isn’t real.
You can, however, build muscle through resistance training to improve shape and composition – even if the scales don’t move much.
If you’re gaining more weight around the middle, especially in perimenopause, check in with your GP about blood sugar and insulin.
🌸 How Does PCOS Affect Weight Loss?
For PCOS, the rules are the same — but blood sugar control matters more:
- Pair protein + fibre at every meal
- Be smart with starchy carbs
- Consider inositol supplementation (with professional guidance)
- Add resistance training to improve insulin sensitivity
For a deeper dive into body changes and feeling better in your skin, explore my Feel-Good Formula.
🍽️ Do I Need a Specific Diet to Lose Weight?
Not a specific one.
- Keto: unnecessary and risky long-term.
- Fasting: optional — it’s just meal timing.
- Low-carb: fine if it helps you stay consistent.
The best plan is one you’ll actually stick to — not one that drains you. (That’s why the Worth Your Weight approach is designed around real life, not restriction.)
☕ Are Three Meals a Day Enough for Weight Loss?
Absolutely — if they’re balanced. You need a calorie target, protein, and fibre at every meal.
If you’re starving by 5PM, add an afternoon snack (protein + fibre). If you’re satisfied, don’t overcomplicate it.
For easy meal inspiration, grab the free Busy Mum Guide or the Meal Plan Bundle.
🍵 Will Herbal Teas Break My Fast?
No. Herbal teas like licorice don’t contain carbs or sugar, so they won’t spike insulin.
They also count toward your daily fluid intake and can help manage cravings.
🍗 How Can I Hit My Protein Goals as a Busy Mum?
Here’s how to make it work without cooking 24/7:
Breakfast – Smoothie with protein powder, nut butter & fruit
Lunch – Pre-cooked chicken wrap or eggs on toast
Snacks – Protein bars or roasted chickpeas
Dinner – One-pan meal from the Meal Plan Bundle
🌿 Do I Really Need a Multivitamin?
Very unlikely.
You’ll get more benefit from real food: fruits, veggies, and variety of these foods.
Exceptions:
- Vegans/vegetarians: need B12, iodine, omega-3
- Post-gastric sleeve: require a daily multivitamin as they can’t enough enough food / variety
🥪 Is Mayonnaise Okay for Weight Loss?
Yes – treat it as your fat component.
Stick to one tablespoon and skip doubling up with cheese or avocado.
Try Undivided Food Co Good Fat Mayo, made with olive oil and egg.
🌙 How Do I Stop Snacking at Night?
Try the Chicken Test:
Would you eat plain chicken right now? If yes, you’re hungry. If not, it’s probably habit.
If it’s true hunger → plan a small protein snack.
If it’s habit → change the cue: make tea, walk, or brush your teeth to signal “kitchen’s closed.”
🏃♀️ Should I Eat Before an Early Morning Workout?
Fuelled is best.
Half a banana, a couple of dates, or toast with honey beats training fasted every time.
If you want to keep your 12-hour fast, move dinner earlier – don’t skip your morning fuel.
Coffee helps with alertness but doesn’t count as fuel.
💬 How Can I Feel Better in My Body and Stay Consistent?
There’s no single “right” way to eat – only frameworks that fit your life.
If you want support in finding what your version of healthy looks like, check out:
- Feel-Good Formula — feel better and more confident in your body again
- Worth Your Weight — realistic, sustainable weight loss
- Busy Mum Guide (free) — quick, family-friendly meal ideas
- Snack Guide (free) — grab-and-go snack inspiration
- Meal Plan Bundle — ready-made 7-day meal plans

Jade Harman is a Clinical Nutritionist, educator, and speaker helping people make sense of nutrition. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine and experience supporting more than 500 clients, she’s seen firsthand how misinformation can derail good habits. Jade doesn’t do fads or guilt – just practical advice that works in real life with real people. You can find out more about Jade here.

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