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Ga. (Atlanta News First) — If you set nutrition goals back in January and feel like you’ve slipped a bit by midyear, you’re not alone. The good news: a reset doesn’t have to mean a major overhaul
On the latest Aging Better podcast, Zachary Eiland, Lead Dietitian for Nutrition and Food Services at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, shared realistic ways to refocus—without falling into the “all-or-nothing” trap
Eiland says many people think dietitians only help with losing weight or “eating healthy,” but in reality, registered dietitians often work in hospitals to prevent malnutrition and support full recovery for patients
That bigger-picture role also informs how he approaches goal-setting: sustainable, practical changes matter more than perfection
When it comes to health goals—especially nutrition-related ones—Eiland says it helps to start with a clear framework
“Maybe you’ve heard of the term SMART goals. That’s an acronym. You want goals that are going to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.”
He recommends choosing goals that are realistic for your lifestyle and schedule
“You want your goals also not to be too big. You don’t want to reach for the moon and stars on day 1. So often we do these diets and challenges we think will make us better overnight…and it’s hard to maintain that, and people get burnout.”
A common mistake in dieting is treating certain foods as completely off-limits. Eiland says that mindset often backfires
“It’s all about moderation, not eliminating things. Keeping that mindset—it is ok to have what you do enjoy, just be thoughtful about it.”
For many people, a midyear check-in can be as simple as building more balance into everyday routines—rather than trying the next extreme plan
Eiland also weighed in on a range of popular nutrition conversations—from protein popcorn and getting enough fiber, to the cottage cheese craze and intermittent fasting
If you’re struggling to make progress on your own, Eiland says professional support is available—and it’s more common than people think
“When you recognize there’s a health barrier you’re struggling to reach on your own…maybe you’re trying to get your cholesterol better, manage your blood sugar…or maybe manage your weight.”
“You don’t have to go at it alone—that’s what we’re here.”
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