What Marketers DON'T Want You to Know

Freedom to Nourish – Ep 5- What Marketers DON’T Want YOU to Know

The Tricks Marketers Use — Especially in the Diet Industry

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the clever — and frankly, manipulative — tricks that marketers use, especially in the diet and wellness industry. These tricks are designed to make us buy, but what they often sell is shame, false hope, and a lifelong cycle of “not enough.”

Let’s break it down.

The Desire That’s Never Satiated

One of the most powerful tools marketers use is the idea that you are just one purchase away from the life you’ve always wanted.

Whether it’s a slimmer body, clearer skin, more energy, or being more “in control” — these promises are tied to our deepest desires.

But here’s the trick: the goalpost keeps moving.

That shake, those supplements, that program — it never quite satisfies. And that’s by design.

Because if you were truly satisfied, you’d stop buying.

So instead, you get just enough hope to keep going… just enough change to keep believing… and just enough guilt to blame yourself when it doesn’t work.

It’s not your fault.It’s part of the marketing model.

The Deep Need to Fit In

Let’s talk about belonging — something we all crave.

Marketers know that, and they use it relentlessly.

They say:“If you eat like this, you’ll look like her.”“If you look like her, you’ll be accepted.”“If you’re accepted, you’ll be safe.”

It’s not about food — it’s about identity.

So many diet ads don’t even show the food. They show people: smiling, thin, successful. It's not health they’re selling — it's social currency.

They’re selling the illusion that if you just follow the plan, you’ll be loved, admired, and never left out.

It’s manipulative.It’s intentional.And it’s damaging.

Diets Don’t Work — And That’s the Point

Here’s the truth: Diets don’t work long-term.Research shows that most people regain the weight — and often more — within 2 to 5 years.

But the diet industry doesn’t want you to know that. Instead, they’ve crafted a genius, toxic twist:

If the diet fails, it’s YOUR fault.

You didn’t try hard enough.You didn’t have enough willpower.You must not have followed the plan.

This gaslighting keeps the industry alive.It turns repeat customers into lifelong ones.

And I want to say this clearly to anyone listening:

You didn’t fail the diet.The diet failed you.

Final Thoughts: Moving Toward Freedom

So what do we do?

We start questioning the messages we’ve been fed.We recognize the manipulation behind the marketing.We reclaim the truth: That your body is not a problem to be fixed.

The moment we stop buying into their shame, we begin to heal.And healing is always louder than the next diet trend.

Thank you for joining me today. If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone you love — or someone who needs a reminder that they’re not broken.

And if you haven’t yet, be sure to follow the show so you don’t miss our next episode.

Until next time, take care — and keep making peace with food and your body.