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Alice Liveing Redefines Wellbeing, Moving Beyond 'Clean Eating'

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. efines-wellbeing-moving-beyond-clean-eating.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 6:22 GMT by The Independent

Beyond "Clean Eating" & Six-Packs: Alice Liveing on Redefining Wellbeing in a Fitness-Obsessed Culture

Alice Liveing, a prominent UK fitness influencer, has evolved her message significantly from the early days of “Clean Eating Alice,” a moniker that now feels somewhat outdated to her. A recent Independent article details her journey, moving away from restrictive diet culture and towards a more nuanced, holistic approach to wellbeing, articulated in her new podcast, “Well Enough.” The piece explores how Liveing, who initially gained fame sharing fitness routines and aesthetically pleasing (but often restrictive) food photos, now actively critiques the damaging effects of the fitness industry and champions self-compassion.

Liveing’s initial success was built on the Instagram boom of fitness influencers. She offered relatable workouts and visually appealing recipes, quickly amassing a large following. However, she now acknowledges that this era was underpinned by an inherently problematic framework – one that promoted a constant pursuit of physical perfection and often masked disordered eating behaviors as “healthy living.” She details feeling pressure to maintain a specific image, leading to periods of intense restriction and a disconnect from enjoying food. This revelation isn't unique; many early fitness influencers have since spoken out about the pressures and negative impacts of promoting unrealistic body standards.

The turning point for Liveing came with a growing awareness of the harmful impact her content could have. She noticed that her initial approach, while well-intentioned, inadvertently contributed to a culture of comparison and anxiety surrounding food and body image. This prompted her to actively research the psychology of eating and exercise, leading her to qualify as a qualified personal trainer and, crucially, a Level 4 nutritionist. This formal training, she explains, provided her with the tools to understand the science behind wellbeing, moving beyond superficial aesthetics.

“Well Enough,” her podcast, represents the culmination of this shift. It’s not about sharing new workout routines or the latest ‘superfood’ trend. Instead, it’s a platform for conversations with experts – psychologists, therapists, and researchers – focused on the complexities of mental and emotional wellbeing, and how these intersect with physical health. The podcast delves into topics like the dangers of diet culture, body image issues, the impact of social media on mental health, and the importance of mindful movement.

The article highlights a key episode featuring Dr. Lucy Slater, a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders, which further solidified Liveing’s understanding of the insidious nature of restrictive eating. Slater explains how even seemingly "healthy" restrictions can easily spiral into disordered behaviours, especially in a culture that glorifies thinness and demonizes certain foods. Liveing herself recounts feeling guilty for enjoying a croissant, a feeling she now recognises as a symptom of the internalised pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

Liveing isn’t advocating for abandoning fitness altogether. Rather, she’s championing a paradigm shift. She promotes exercise as a tool for feeling good, not just looking good. This means prioritizing enjoyment, listening to your body, and detaching your self-worth from your performance or physique. She pushes back against the "no pain, no gain" mentality, emphasising that sustainable wellbeing is built on consistency and self-compassion, not punishment and deprivation.

This approach positions Liveing as a refreshing voice within the often-toxic landscape of fitness influencing. Many influencers still prioritize aesthetics, perpetuating unrealistic ideals. Liveing, however, actively challenges these norms, urging her followers to question the motivations behind their fitness goals and to prioritize their mental and emotional health alongside their physical wellbeing.

The article also touches upon Liveing’s new book, "Stronger," which mirrors the message of her podcast. It's not a diet or fitness plan, but rather a guide to building a healthier relationship with food and your body, focusing on intuitive eating and mindful movement.

Ultimately, Alice Liveing's journey demonstrates a vital evolution within the wellness industry. She’s moving away from the superficiality of “clean eating” and sculpted abs, and towards a more meaningful and sustainable definition of wellbeing – one that prioritises mental health, self-compassion, and a genuine enjoyment of life, both inside and outside the gym. Her work signifies a growing trend of influencers acknowledging the harm of previous messaging and actively working to promote a healthier, more realistic approach to fitness and self-care.