Heather Bedard, C.H.E.
I’ve always considered myself a bit of a perfectionist. Whether it was keeping my home just right, raising my kids, or making personal choices, that drive for perfection has always been there. But what has surprised me recently was realizing how much perfectionism had infiltrated my health journey. And honestly? It was limiting — sometimes even dangerous. This realization has led me to find ways to overcome this tendency and not allow it to have such a stranglehold on my life.
Perfectionism in health care can manifest in so many ways: obsessing over finding the perfect diet, stressing over making the right choices, and even beating ourselves up when we don’t stick to an unrealistic standard. But here’s the truth: perfectionism doesn’t lead to better health—it leads to frustration, guilt, and burnout.
I want to share five key truths that helped me step out of perfectionism and into a more balanced, sustainable, and joyful approach to health.
1. Perfectionism Keeps You Frustrated
One of the biggest traps of perfectionism is the constant search for the “magic formula.” We chase diets, scrutinize every new study, and second-guess our choices, all while being bombarded with mixed messages: “Eat this! No, wait — don’t eat that!” The health industry thrives on our confusion, but the reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all perfect solution.
The moment I realized I didn’t need to attain some unrealistic level of health perfection, I found freedom. I learned that understanding my body, fueling it well, and building a sustainable way of eating was far more powerful than following the latest trend. No more fearing that one piece of chocolate would ruin everything or panic over conflicting nutrition headlines. Instead, I now choose knowledge and peace over fear and frustration.
2. Perfectionism Fuels Negative Self-Talk
Perfectionism isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we think. The pressure to always “get it right” can create a harsh inner dialogue: Why can’t you stick to this? How could you eat that, knowing what you know? This type of thinking isn’t just unkind—it’s unhealthy. Negative self-talk doesn’t motivate us; it wears us down and leads to the behaviors we’re trying to avoid.
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to get it right 100% of the time to be healthy. Your food choices don’t define your worth, and no single meal will make or break your well-being. Shifting this mindset allows for grace, growth, and a more balanced approach to health.
3. Perfectionism Creates a Controlling Environment
If you’ve ever tried to change your family’s eating habits, you know how tricky it can be. One of the easiest traps? Becoming overly controlling. I’ve been there—strict food rules, eliminating entire food groups and trying to enforce the “right” way of eating. But I’ve learned that extreme control doesn’t foster lasting change—it fosters rebellion and resentment.
Instead, I now focus on teaching the “why” behind our choices while creating a flexible, nourishing home environment. When kids (or even adults) understand why certain foods make them feel good, they’re more likely to choose well on their own. And let’s be real—one Oreo won’t ruin their health, just like one salad won’t fix everything. It’s all about balance.
4. Perfectionism Steals Your Joy
Food is meant to be enjoyed. It’s part of celebrations, cultures, and family traditions. Yet perfectionism can turn eating into a stressful, guilt-ridden experience.
I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to enjoy a treat. It’s okay to love the flavors, the spices, and the experience of food. There’s a reason food brings people together – it’s meant to be a gift, not a source of anxiety. Health isn’t about restriction; it’s about using a healthy eating pattern.
5. The Perfect Diet Doesn’t Exist
If there’s one truth I want to leave you with, it’s this: there is no perfect diet. No expert, trend, or new study can give you a foolproof formula for health. Why? Because your body is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to create a way of eating that aligns with your body’s needs, supports your well-being, and is actually sustainable.
Rather than chasing perfection, I’ve shifted my focus to finding an optimal eating pattern that works for me. Science gives us great insight into what supports health, but within that framework, we have the freedom to make choices that work for our unique needs and lifestyles.
Progress Over Perfection
If perfectionism has kept you stuck in your health journey, know this—you’re not alone. But you can step out of that cycle. You can choose knowledge over fear, balance over restriction, and freedom over frustration.
You are on a journey. You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep learning, growing, and making choices that truly serve your health—mind, body, and soul.
So, let’s ditch perfectionism together and embrace a healthier, more joyful way forward.