The Stages of Change Aren’t Linear—And That’s Okay

I’ve talked a lot about the stages of change—how they help us assess readiness to improve our wellness. But I think I may have misled you on one key point: these stages don’t always follow a neat, step-by-step progression. In fact, they can overlap, cycle, and even all show up in a single day. Because let’s be real—Life has a way of throwing curveballs.

I used to think the first stage—precontemplation, where we’re not actively seeking change—was just about resistance. But I’ve revised my stance. Sometimes, it’s a necessary coping mechanism. A place we return to for a break from all the effort it takes to sustain change. Because, let’s face it, there are moments when we don’t want to be in “maintenance mode.” Life is kicking our ass, and that pint of ice cream? It might just be the thing that keeps us sane.

So if you need to eat the ice cream—eat it. Just make it the best quality ice cream with the best ingredients. And then—when you’re ready—give yourself a timeline to get back on track. A pause isn’t failure; it’s part of your well care.

When I was reversing my diabetes, I reached a point where I realized that my almost keto diet, which had been instrumental in my progress, wasn’t sustainable forever. My body needed something different. That’s when I learned about carb cycling—a way to increase metabolic flexibility without falling into junk food traps. Even during my “DoorDash salvation” moments, I made sure to lean into whole foods as much as possible.

We often think of healing as a destination—a place we’ll arrive at once we’ve figured it all out. But the truth is, the journey itself is the healing. It’s the daily choices, the small shifts, and even the detours that ultimately guide us forward.

When it comes to metabolic health, this perspective is crucial. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, no single diet or lifestyle hack that will “fix” everything forever. Instead, what we need is a roadmap—a way to navigate the ups and downs, adjust as needed, and still maintain a sustainable, balanced approach to wellness.

What I’ve learned is this: change isn’t rigid. It’s fluid, responsive, and deeply personal. So, give yourself grace. Take the break when you need it. And trust that you have the tools to rally yourself back to the path of wellness—when you’re ready.

Check out my eBook The Journey is the Healing for a roadmap to getting back on track. Think of it as your reset guide if you got off track, for a day or for a longer period of time.