In the American wellness industry, the promises often sound the same: quick results, rigid diets, and strict timelines. Wellness brands and influencers regularly claim to have the “magic formula” for losing weight or transforming your body in record time. These promises come with the implication that achieving these goals will lead to lasting happiness, fulfillment, and well-being. But for Nurdan Balakci, an international nutrition coach based in Miami, this approach misses the point entirely.
Instead of focusing on weight loss, Balakci shifts the conversation entirely. What she offers is a change in mindset, a deeper understanding of health and well-being that transcends the scale. “Living well,” in her view, is not about measuring success through numbers or striving for perfection. It’s about making sustainable, mindful choices that reflect self-worth, purpose, and intention.
Operating under her company, Ref 360 Inc., Balakci works with clients from all walks of life, guiding them through a process of sustainable living and mindset transformation. Her philosophy challenges the rigid rules of diet culture, which often promote short-term success at the expense of long-term well-being. Rather than focusing solely on what you eat or how much you exercise, Balakci dives deeper into the emotional and psychological patterns that influence these decisions.
One of the key aspects of her approach is the idea of awareness, recognizing the thought processes, habits, and underlying beliefs that drive everyday choices. As opposed to simply telling clients what to eat, Balakci encourages them to look inward and examine why they make certain decisions. In her sessions, she doesn’t just ask basic questions about nutrition; she digs into personal reflections that help her clients uncover deeper insights. For example:
- Why are you choosing this?
- Do you believe this plate reflects what you deserve?
- What kind of life does this choice move you toward?
These aren’t just abstract or theoretical questions, they’re deeply personal inquiries that allow her clients to reflect on their unique needs, struggles, and values. Balakci’s approach is not one-size-fits-all; instead, it is tailored to each individual’s life, taking into account their history, emotional triggers, and unique circumstances.
This method of questioning encourages clients to view their eating behaviors not as isolated actions, but as part of a larger context, one that includes their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By shifting the focus from food itself to the underlying mindset and lifestyle choices that shape those behaviors, Balakci helps clients cultivate a sense of agency over their lives. This self-awareness leads to a transformation that is sustainable and empowering.
For many of her clients, the journey starts with breaking free from the restrictive diet culture that so often dominates the wellness industry. Instead of rigid meal plans, calorie-counting, or extreme exercise regimens, Balakci offers a more holistic and balanced approach. She introduces practical, structured tasks that focus on how clients live their lives, not just what they put on their plates. These tasks may include developing better sleep habits, creating a daily routine that reflects personal values, or learning to manage stress in healthier ways. Over time, these changes build a foundation of health that naturally aligns with the body’s needs.
Interestingly, as people start to make these shifts in their overall lifestyle, their eating habits begin to change organically. This shift is not about willpower or discipline; it’s about alignment. As clients become more aware of their bodies, more intentional in their choices, and more focused on their mental and emotional well-being, their relationship with food often improves. The need for control diminishes, and understanding takes its place. Weight loss, in this context, may follow as a natural byproduct of these changes, but it is not the central goal.
Balakci’s approach resonates with a growing number of individuals, particularly those in Miami and beyond, who are seeking long-term, meaningful change rather than quick fixes. These individuals understand that health is not a destination but an ongoing journey. As more people move away from the rigid, short-term goals promoted by diet culture, Balakci’s approach offers a refreshing and empowering alternative.
What sets Balakci apart is her focus on mindset transformation. She recognizes that the way we think about health, food, and ourselves shapes our experiences and choices. By helping clients reframe these beliefs and understand the deeper factors that drive their behaviors, she encourages them to embrace a more balanced, sustainable approach to living well. This philosophy doesn’t just change how people eat, it changes how they live.
The common refrain among those who work with her is telling: “I didn’t just reach a goal. I changed how I see my life.” This sentiment speaks to the profound impact of Balakci’s work. It is not about achieving a specific weight or fitting into a particular body type, it’s about aligning one’s life with values that promote long-term health, happiness, and fulfillment.
As the wellness culture in the U.S. continues to evolve, voices like Balakci’s are gaining attention, not because they promise more, but because they ask better questions. Instead of selling weight loss, Balakciis redefining what it means to live well, transforming not just bodies, but mindsets, and ultimately, lives.
Nurdan Balakciisn’t selling weight loss.
She’s redefining what it means to live well.
