Questions asked by THRIVE clients:
1. Why does the scale weight go up even when I calorie bank?
2. What is each of the coaches favourite ‘comfort’ meal to make if we have craving?
3. How do we fit our workouts in when it is super stressful week?
4. Do I have to wake up at 6am to have a good morning routine? I see them online and feel bad I don’t wake up early
5. When it the best time / way to take progress photos, I find them very disheartening when I'm making progress with energy, clothes fitting better and feeling good and they don't reflect that
6. Have you any advice on gut health? I find I'm bloated quite a lot
7. I find it easy to stay on track whilst my partner works away but struggle when he's home as we try to cram date nights in to the week we have together, do you have any tips for staying consistent when he's home?
8. I’ve been getting a little dizzy during workouts the odd time so I don’t know what the best way to fuel myself is
9. I struggle when I go to the gym and it’s busier and I feel like I can’t do my workout properly because there’s little space when loads of people are there
10. How to take the pressure off of feeling like I have to be perfect?
11. I'm struggling to hit protein, any tips?
12. Is it possible to grow glutes in a fat loss phase?
Questions aske by THRIVE clients:
1. How is your training plan going?
2. How do I balance half marathon training and strength training as a newer runner?
3. How do you go back up to maintenance and know what your maintenance is?
4. I've been consistent with my protein target but I'm still hungry, what can I do?
5. How do I strike the balance around the Christmas period of my own goals but enjoyment? What will this look like for the coaches?
6. How do I show up for myself when I am really low? Some practical tips because I want to - I just feel like as the day goes on I don’t want to anymore
7. What are your thoughts on celebratory meals/rewards for reaching goals?
8. How do you not got tired of constantly training or thinking about health and wellness?
9. If I stay within my calories is drinking alcohol still going to affect my progress as sometimes I do have calories left over or banked and I don’t actually go over them when going for one or two after work or with dinner?
10. How to manage unexpected events that will pop up in the run up to Christmas?
QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
1) How to keep thriving during winter bug season?
2) Have you any tips for getting more fibre in?
3) How to deal with guilt around overeating
4) How do you stay motivated when progress feels slow and you're comparing yourself to others, feeling like you're not achieving 'enough'?
5)Any tips on re-establishing routine when you've been out of it for a while.
6)I seem to not be able to have any alcohol and stay on plan, if it touches my lips everything seems to go out the window
7)Struggling a lot with staying on track socially
THRIVE CHALLENGE PODCAST:
What should you do when you’re sick but want to stay on track?→ How to manage training, nutrition, and mindset while recovering without guilt.
Does being on the pill make it harder to lose weight?→ Breaking down how hormones affect symptoms, appetite, and consistency.
What to eat before a workout if you struggle to eat without feeling sick?→ Pre-workout food ideas for sensitive stomachs (like banana, juice, or dates).
How to juggle the busyness of life without falling off track?→ Practical advice on planning ahead, time-blocking, prioritising, and letting go of perfection.
I’m starting to lose motivation for my 10,000 steps — what should I do? ✅→ How to reignite consistency, manage fatigue after work/gym, and reframe effort vs. motivation.
Why do I always hit the “f*ck it” button at the end of the week?→ Understanding restriction, all-or-nothing thinking, and learning to self-reflect instead of self-sabotage.
How do I stay on track when life throws me a curveball (sickness, injury, or burnout)?→ Knowing when to rest vs. push, how to reset, and using rest as a launch pad rather than a setback.
Questions asked by THRIVE clients:
How can someone shift their mindset from ‘I’ve ruined it this weekend’ to ‘I enjoyed myself and I’m back on track’?
Hangovers are the ruination of me, best tips for navigating these?
Do you think it’s possible to make fat loss progress while still going out every weekend?
Training for half marathon - what way should I manage my strength work plus runs
"I actively set my daily calories most days through the week as less than I could have Because I know my weekends have less ‘control’ / are socially busier. I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself through the week, I feel fed but is this positive to do consistently? It feels ok with me but I also don’t want to be psychologically encouraging myself to have an 80/20 week?"
Sometimes this can feel like a very lonely journey - any advice on finding like minded people to share the experience with?
My scales jumps around my period, should I be worried about this?
Do you think it’s possible to make fat loss progress while still going out every weekend?
I train before work, what’s the best fuelling strategy here as i don’t want to have my breakfast before 6am.
If my scales isn’t moving should i just drop my calories lower again?
How long does it take to start seeing progress?
Night time is when my snack cravings tend to kick in… any tips on how to help with this please?
What does coming back to maintenance look like?
How to navigate being scared to change / lack of belief that you can change
QUESTIONS ANSWERED ON THIS PODCAST:
1. Struggling to eat with my partner, because he is not in a fat loss journey and meals he makes aren’t easily tractable for me. Which I think affects his mood/feelings when we aren’t cooking together/ for each other.
2. Struggling with guilt and how to overcome it.
3. How to stop comparing yourself to others online?
4. Saving all your calories for later in the day and why that is tripping you up.
5. How to say no to others offering you food.
6. Self sabotage and tips for overcoming it.
Questions asked by our THRIVE clients:
How do you cope with body dysmorphia and learn to love yourself when your weight changes over time?
What’s the best way to stop self-sabotaging when progress feels slow on the scale or in measurements?
How can you stop feeling guilty about rest days, eating out, or social events?
What are some ways to stop comparing yourself to others (like in a bikini or online) and feel more confident?
How do you stop using food as a coping mechanism when stressed or upset?
Does fitness and nutrition ever become more of a routine and less of something you have to constantly think about?
What habits or mindsets help you stay motivated and positive during tough times, injury, or low energy?
What are some high-protein, low-calorie snacks with a good bang for their buck?
What are some go-to meals for busy days that keep you fuller for longer?
How can you hit your protein target without going over calories or relying on protein powders?
Do we need to track fruit and veg?
Should you still hit your calorie target if you’re already full?
How do you manage cravings and snacking around your period?
How should you handle spontaneous plans, meals out, or takeaways when you can’t track calories accurately?
Should you “bank” calories for social events, or just enjoy the day and move on?
Should you eat back exercise calories if your watch or MyFitnessPal adds them in?
How do you balance training and nutrition with your menstrual cycle?
If your form isn’t great on a lift (like RDLs), should you lower the weight until it improves?
What’s the best way to get back on track after a holiday – and should you weigh in straight away?
How do you balance fat loss with upcoming holidays, weekends away, or trips with friends?
How do you encourage your family to live a healthier lifestyle without burning yourself out?
What nutrition tips would you give someone who doesn’t want to track calories forever?
What’s the best way to track homemade meals in MyFitnessPal?
What are some easy ways to build new habits and make them stick long term?
THRIVE CLIENT Q+A
If I’m short on time, but my goal is fat loss, should I aim to get my step count or should I go for the run that I have planned in?
My life is very social, and a lot of my friends only want to drink and eat. I find it hard to get results because I give in at the last minute. What should I do?
I used to take creatine before, but now I’m in a fat loss phase and I’ve seen it apparently makes you gain weight. What are your thoughts?
Have you got any tips on improving my sleep? I know I need to stop scrolling, but is there anything else I can do?
My calories are currently set at 1700 — are they going to stay there for the entire challenge?
How do I manage my fat loss goals while being in a relationship (or with a close friend) and still keep connection?
How can we work on transitioning from dumbbells to using a barbell safely?
My scale weight has gone up after eating a meal out. I’m really disappointed — what should I do?
Tara chats with Thrive client Meabh about her journey from dieting and self-doubt to building confidence, performance goals, and true freedom with food. From chin-ups to half marathons, this episode shows what’s possible when you back yourself and trust the process.
💪 Ready to start your own journey?
The next Thrive Challenge kicks off September 15th — join here: join.thrivebytg.com/6week-challenge
Our new rebrand PLUS this episode tackles the questions every woman asks: When should I increase my weights? Is it okay to go over calories at family events? How do I train during my period without losing motivation? Tara and the team (featuring new coach Niamh C) give you straight-talk answers on progressive overload, managing life's chaos, and why your expectations might need adjusting if you're in a smaller body.
No fluff, no BS - just practical coaching advice for women who want real results. Plus, find out about the new 30-day Thrive Challenge for current clients with a £200 prize. Subscribe for more honest conversations about fitness, mindset, and building habits that actually stick. This podcasts questions are from current clients.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro & Team Changes
4:35 Meet New Coach Nevo
8:55 Weekly Recaps
13:32 Q1: Adding 5K Runs to Your Program
16:42 Q2: When to Increase Weights (Progressive Overload)
21:19 Q3: Planning Workouts When Sore or Schedule Changes
24:20 Q4: Calories Too High If Not Seeing Progress?
34:24 Q5: Training During Your Period & Managing Motivation
41:49 Challenge Announcement & Wrap-Up
Hashtags/Keywords: #ThriveCoachingPodcast #ProgressiveOverload #PeriodTraining #FemaleFitness #SustainableWeightLoss #FitnessMotivation #CalorieDeficit #StrengthTraining #WomenInFitness #HealthyHabits
Want to join our next challenge intake on September 15th? CLICK HERE
NEXT 6 WEEK CHALLENGE: https://thrivebytg.com/6-week-challenge/
Our next challenge: 15th September, join the priority list now -
https://thrivebytg.com/6-week-challenge/
Top tips for getting back on track after a holiday!
How’s the coaches own training going?
Feeling negative about my body?
What to do when you feel like you're not getting stronger?
I know it’s often mentioned but to be able to go out for a dinner / drink to celebrate three years in Sydney without feeling guilt of ruining my progress because I’m already up weight.
Please can you tell me tips about the maintaining phase, as I feel like I don’t know much about what I need to do/tips, after being in dieting phase for so long!
I know it’s been answered before but just looking for simple ways to get more protein into meals and especially snacks during the day.
I always hear that our bodies are not machines or robots and some days we are just a little hungrier than others - what are your thoughts and recommendations for cals if you find that happening occasionally?
Work with us: www.thrivebytg.com
In this episode, we discuss the benefit of building your ideal routines = morning, day and night!
Questions answered:
I’m just about to start at a new gym — any tips for approaching it with confidence?
How do I get back the motivation and belief in myself that I had at the very beginning of Thrive?
When will I actually notice a difference? 😅
With conditioning, what are the main physique differences compared to weight training only?
How’s your foot Niamh?
6. Do you ever hear that the pill makes it harder to lose the weight — now I’ve been on it for 9 years but I’m just curious.
Excuses / Solutions:
Questions asked by THRIVE clients:
TRAINING
Is cardio important along with weight training?
If my program has both barbell and dumbbell variations of the same movement—like squats or chest press—do I really need to do both?
How can I balance fat loss goals with performance-based goals like training for a half marathon?
What are the benefits of creatine, and should I be taking it if I’m strength training?
NUTRITION:
How do I navigate eating out or trying special foods without feeling like I’ve “blown it”? I often tell myself, “it’s a limited-time thing” or “one bite won’t hurt,” but it adds up.
I’m good with my nutrition during the week, but I really struggle to stay on track on weekends or around my period. How can I stay more consistent?
What’s the best way to manage fat loss when I’m sick, injured, or bedbound? Should I still be aiming for a deficit?
MINDSET:
Is it just that I don’t have enough motivation or discipline? I feel fine physically, but I can’t help thinking I’d feel and look better if I just lost more weight.
How do you deal with negative or triggering comments from others around food, weight, or dieting?
LIFESTYLE:
When you're traveling or moving around a lot—especially during summer—what are your non-negotiables to stay consistent with your healthy habits?
Questions asked by THRIVE clients:
1) What was the highlight of your week?
2) What should I expect when transitioning from a deficit to maintenance, especially if I tend to fixate on appearance?
3) Any tips for staying active in extreme heat? I’ve been walking after 8pm to avoid the sun, but would love more ideas.
4) Any motivation tips or recommendations for videos/podcasts to help me get back into a routine?
5) Can steps be banked (e.g., less during the week, more on weekends), or does it need to be 10k daily?
6) Is it better to run 5km with walking breaks or 3km non-stop if my goal is to build up to 5km?
7) Advice on running shoes? I'm being bombarded with ads on Insta and don’t know what to go for!
8) After being sick, should I reduce weights when getting back to the gym?
9) What’s the best way to recover from muscle soreness?
10) Any tips on balancing gym sessions with running each week?
11) For Caz – what inspired you to get into calisthenics?
12) Can you lose weight without tracking calories or macros?
13) Any lists of low-calorie drink options for nights out?
14) How can I maintain a routine during stressful periods?
THRIVE CLIENT Q+A:
QUESTIONS ASKED BY THRIVE CLIENTS:
How do I balance my relationship values and health goals while being social and living abroad?
How do I maintain boundaries in a relationship without feeling like I’m letting the other person down socially?
Is it a myth that some muscles (like abs or shoulders) don’t need as much rest as others?
Do I need to do my workouts in the programmed order?
How do I manage my mindset and training as I approach perimenopause?
I feel guilty after eating over my calories — how do I stop this cycle?
I struggle with a social job that makes it hard to stick to my goals — what can I do?
I find it hard to say no to others and myself, especially after a busy work week — any tips?
I feel unmotivated to track my food — what should I do?
How can I stay consistent even when motivation is low?
How do I improve my body image and stop negative thoughts about how I look?
I struggle with hitting my step goal when I’m at home — any advice?
When I’m tired, I fall into old habits like takeaways — how do I break the cycle?
I always crave sweet treats and then can't fit in protein — how do I fix this?
I feel exhausted trying to lift and play sport — it’s impacting my downtime. How do I manage this better?
I'm just constantly craving food — what’s going on?