Perfectionism might look like discipline or excellence on the surface, but underneath it’s often fear, shame, and a desperate attempt to control outcomes. In this honest and refreshing conversation, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and dietitian Kristin Willard, RDN unpack how perfectionism silently sabotages progress after weight loss surgery and while using GLP-1 medications.
Kristin Willard shares her own lived experience cycling between intense commitment and complete burnout — and how that same all-or-nothing pattern shows up in her clients’ nutrition, exercise, and mindset. Together, they reveal why doing it perfectly isn’t sustainable, and how chasing 100% compliance only breeds shame, inconsistency, and exhaustion.
From flexible ranges to the “even though, nevertheless” mindset shift, this episode offers compassionate, practical tools to help you build sustainable habits without the guilt. Whether you’re post-op, on GLP-1s, or simply tired of white-knuckling your wellness goals, this conversation will help you breathe again — and finally make progress that lasts.
Key Takeaways
* Progress beats perfection. The “80% good enough” mindset stops the all-or-nothing cycles that actually sabotage long-term success. Consistency matters more than intensity.
* One off-plan meal doesn’t ruin your progress — shame does. It’s not the food that derails you, it’s the guilt spiral and perfectionist thinking that follows.
* Use flexible ranges, not rigid rules. Calorie, protein, and weight ranges support self-trust and freedom while keeping structure intact.
* Social media highlight reels fuel comparison and unrealistic expectations. True success comes from personalization — not perfection.
* Self-compassion is a skill. Learning to say, “Even though I didn’t do it perfectly, nevertheless I’m still showing up,” rewires your mindset for resilience and long-term success.
Detailed Show Notes
When bariatric dietitian Kristin Willard, RDN, found herself swinging between workout obsession and total avoidance, she realized perfectionism was running the show. In this raw and insightful episode, she joins Dr. Kristin Lloyd to unpack how perfectionism undermines not only fitness goals but overall health, joy, and emotional well-being.
The two Kristins explore the perfectionism spectrum — from food rules and tracking obsessions to the guilt and shame that follow even the smallest slip. They share why trying to be “perfect” is an impossible pursuit that only fuels burnout and emotional eating.
Listeners will learn practical, compassionate tools including:
* Setting ranges (not exact numbers) for calories, protein, and weight.
* Using the “even though, nevertheless” mindset to reframe setbacks.
* Intentionally practicing small “failures” to build emotional tolerance.
* Shifting from “I blew it” to “I learned something.”
* Recognizing that acceptance isn’t complacency — it’s clarity.
They also address the influence of social media perfectionism, the illusion of control, and how unrealistic expectations can erode confidence for bariatric and GLP-1 patients. Through humor and honesty, both Kristins model what it looks like to trade shame for strategy, and perfection for peace.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder: You don’t need to be perfect to be successful — you just need to keep showing up.
Connect with Us
Guest: Kristin Willard, RDNWebsite: www.bariatricmealprep.comInstagram: @bariatric.meal.prep
Host: Dr. Kristin Lloyd, PhDWebsite: www.bariatricmindsetsuccess.com
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