#304: Why Fruitful Habits Work Better Than Perfect Eating Plans

So many of us have tried to white-knuckle our way through one food plan after another.

But what if health isn’t about eating perfectly—but rather about building habits that actually bear good fruit in our lives?

In this episode, guest co-host Brandice Lardner and I unpack why “perfect eating plans” so often fail, especially for Highly Sensitive Christian women. Brandice introduces the idea of fruitful habits: flexible, grace-filled practices you can evaluate by their outcomes, not whether you followed every rigid rule.

We explore

• how reflection (not rumination) helps you learn from your choices
• why giving yourself permission actually reduces food obsessions
• what it looks like to “marry wants with wisdom” without shame or fear

If you’re longing for a calmer, more sustainable approach to food—one rooted in grace, discernment, and real-life rhythms—this conversation offers a hopeful way forward.

(This page contains affiliate links. Your clicks and purchases help support Grit 'n' Grace at no extra charge to you.)

Cheri Gregory

Through scripture and story-telling, Cheri Gregory delights in helping women draw closer to Jesus, the Strength of every tender heart.

Cheri is the co-facilitator of Sensitive & Strong: the place for the HSP Christian woman to find connection. And she’s the founder of Write Beside You coaching for HSP Christian writers, coaches, and speakers.

Cheri speaks locally and internationally for women’s events and educational conferences. She’s also the coauthor of five books: You Don’t Have to Try So Hard, Overwhelmed, and An Abundant Place (with Kathi Lipp); Sensitive & Strong (with Denise J. Hughes); and Exhale (with Amy Carrol).

Cheri and her college sweetheart, Daniel, have been married for over three decades; they’ve spent the last 19 years living and serving on the campus of Monterey Bay Academy on the central California coast. 

You can connect with Cheri thru her website, on Facebook, and via Instagram.

Brandice Lardner

Brandice Lardner is a personal fitness trainer, nutrition coach, and Jesus girl who loves to share how her relationship with God has brought her the peace with food she searched for in just about every diet.

Now, she shares hope and encouragement on her blog Grace Filled Plate, where she helps Christian women ditch the diet mindset and find food freedom through their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Brandice shares mindful eating practices where healthy choices are made from a want-to rather than a legalistic have-to.

You can get her free 7-lesson “Faith > Food” email course here: https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/

Website: GraceFilledPlate.com

Facebook: facebook.com/GraceFilledPlate/

Transcript