What if I told you that no foods need to be off limits for permanent weight loss?
You’d probably tell me that you don’t believe me—and I don’t blame you. I was sceptical too, just like most of my clients when they first start working with me. But over time, my approach has helped many people shed weight and keep it off, without resorting to restrictive diets or eliminating the foods they enjoy.
The problem lies in what I call the “diet mindset.” Diets tend to offer short-term results at best, relying on restricting certain food groups or cutting calories dramatically. While this may work initially, it often leads to the opposite result in the long run. Research shows that 85-95% of people who lose weight on restrictive diets eventually gain it back—often with extra weight on top of what they originally lost.
Think about it: how many naturally slim people do you know who are on diets? Most of them aren’t. They simply follow a lifestyle of balance and moderation. This is what we should strive for too.
The Islamic perspective: balance and moderation
When we look to the wisdom of Islam, we see that true balance and lasting change come from moderation, sustainability, and consistency. Islam teaches us to avoid extremes in all areas of life, and food is no exception.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The best of deeds are those done consistently, even if they are small” (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith highlights that gradual and consistent efforts are key to long-term success. Whether we’re talking about acts of worship, personal growth, or even our health, the same principle applies: small, regular changes bring lasting results. In the context of weight loss, this means shifting away from drastic, short-term dieting and towards a lifestyle of consistent, healthy habits.
Allah (SWT) also emphasises moderation in the Qur’an. He says, “And eat and drink, but do not be extravagant, for Allah does not like extravagant people” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:31). This verse reminds us that while we are encouraged to enjoy the blessings of food and drink, we must do so without excess. This balance in behaviour is what leads to better health and well-being, both physically and spiritually.
In another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave specific advice on how to eat in moderation, saying, “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third for air” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This hadith offers practical guidance on portion control, teaching us that overindulgence can be harmful.
Shifting your mindset: from diets to lasting habits
The key to permanent weight loss lies in changing the way you think about food and health. Instead of seeing certain foods as “good” or “bad” and avoiding them altogether, it’s about learning to enjoy them in moderation. This doesn’t mean you can’t have your favourite foods like rice, curry, or even desserts—it just means finding a way to fit them into a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
On my programme, I teach my clients how to develop sustainable habits that fit their lifestyle, rather than following a temporary diet. They learn strategies for handling social situations like dawats (invitations), where food is often abundant, and for making better choices without feeling deprived.
The goal is not just to lose weight but to create lasting changes in behaviour. My clients typically lose between 12-24 kilos, depending on their starting point and other factors, but more importantly, they learn how to maintain that weight loss over the long term. By focusing on mindset and habits rather than restriction, they achieve results that last.
Your health transformation could be one decision away
If you’re ready to change your approach to weight loss and start thinking differently about food, I invite you to join my next cohort. We’ll be starting in just a couple of weeks, and inshaAllah, you could be one decision away from transforming your health and becoming the best version of yourself.