Coming Back to Group đ
We’ve all been there. Honestly, every single one of us. Life has a way of taking over — summer holidays, kids off school, family days away, nights out, or even just a week where the scales show a gain and we can’t quite face going back. One week slips into two, then a few more, and before we know it, months have passed.
And during that time away? We often talk ourselves into all sorts of things:
- “Sure, a week or two won’t do me any harm. I deserve a break.”
- “I’ll eat and drink what I want, and I’ll easily get back on track at home.”
- “I’ll lose a few pounds before I go back — then I’ll return.”
Oh, the irony! We end up giving ourselves a harder time, struggling to get back into routine, and punishing ourselves for being human.
But here’s the truth: group isn’t about guilt, punishment or shame. It’s about compassion, laughter and encouragement. It’s walking into a room where you’ll find friendly faces, motivation, and — let’s be honest — a consultant who is just so glad to see you. Group is YOUR safe place.
Life happens đ
Sometimes we’re celebrating — weddings, christenings, birthdays, family get-togethers.
Sometimes we’re hurting — sickness, bereavement, struggles with mental health. These are the real ups and downs of life.
But when we stay away from group, we often make things harder for ourselves. We feel guilty on top of everything else.
And here’s the reminder we all need: YOU ARE HUMAN. YOU ARE NORMAL. Forgiveness is the key.
“Oops, I did it again…”
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could all just shrug and say, “Oops, I slipped up, I’m only human. Never mind — best get myself back to group where I’ll find the support I need.”
But sometimes pride, guilt, or fear get in the way.
We tell ourselves we should manage on our own. Yet the truth is — going it alone is harder. Group is where the magic happens.
What can you do?
Sometimes you just need to put on your big boy or big girl pants and send that message: “Help, I’m struggling.”
And I promise you this — you will be welcomed back with open arms. No lectures, no disapproval, just warmth and support.
The strongest thing you can do is not to never fall — it’s to stand back up, learn from what knocked you down, and step forward again. That’s what makes success.
Learning along the way
Every time we step off plan or drift from group, there’s something to learn. What tripped me up? What could I do differently next time?
That reflection — without beating ourselves up — is where the growth is. Because if losing weight and improving your health is what you want more than anything, you won’t let anything stand in your way. And you don’t have to do it alone.
⨠Group is where Food Optimising comes back to life.
⨠Group is where you find encouragement when your own belief wobbles.
⨠Group is where we walk the journey together.
So if you’ve been away — whether it’s a week, a month, or more — please don’t wait for a “perfect time” to return. Just come back as you are. We’ll laugh, we’ll support, and we’ll take those next steps together.
Because you’re worth it. Always. đ
Adrian
Sarah’s Story đ
Sarah joined group just before summer and was flying — she’d lost over a stone and was feeling brilliant. Then came July… holidays with the kids, BBQs, ice creams on the beach, the odd glass (or two!) of wine in the evenings. She missed one week of group, then thought, “I’ll just go back next week.”
But next week came and went. Then she told herself, “I’ll just lose a few pounds at home first before I face the scales again.” Cue a few more BBQs, a few more holidays, and suddenly it had been three whole months since she last set foot in group!
When Sarah finally messaged her consultant, she sheepishly wrote: “I’m scared to come back — you’ll be so disappointed in me.” The reply? “Nonsense, I’ll just be delighted to see you again!”
So back she came, a bit nervous but also relieved. And you know what she said after Image Therapy that night?
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“Why on earth did I wait so long?! This is exactly what I needed. Everyone’s been there, and nobody cared about the gain — they just cared that I was back.”
Now Sarah laughs about it, saying her only regret was not walking back through those doors sooner.
