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Surprising way 26yo ‘doubled income’ through mindset shift

A young Aussie has revealed the surprising lifestyle change that led to her doubling her income in just five months.

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A 26-year-old Aussie expat in New York has found a surprising way to double her income.

By working with a personal trainer who also acts as her mindset coach, she’s managed to reduce “food noise,” gain more mental clarity, and improve her overall productivity in the process.

Caitlin Emiko, a TikTok Strategist and Marketing Specialist, sought the guidance of Jesse Dimond, the head coach at The Athletic Clubs, a network of private member gyms across New York, in November 2024.

She remembers feeling “lost”, and his realistic, “no bulls**t” approach to fitness and life struck a chord with her, prompting her to make changes to her diet, training, and mindset.

“While I train with him in person, he also offers online coaching for people globally,” Emiko, who is also a lifestyle influencer with 124,000 followers, told news.com.au.

Woman doubles income through changing relationship to food and fitness

Physical and mental shifts

She regularly shares snippets from their candid chats on TikTok, where Mr Dimond guides her on a range of topics including body image, coping with online negativity, relationships, balancing different priorities, and establishing a routine.

Since beginning her work with him, she claims her life feels “happier, healthier, and more structured”.

“I’ve focused on increasing my protein intake and building daily habits that genuinely support becoming the best, healthiest version of myself,” she explained.

“I think it’s important to work with trainers you aspire to be like; he is one of the most inspiring people I know and his approach to life aligns with how I want to eventually live.”

The results have been “huge,” according to Emiko – not just in terms of the physical transformation she’s undergone, which has left the Aussie looking more “snatched”.

“Physically, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. I went from despising running to completing a half marathon,” she said.

“Mentally, I’ve had reduced food noise, which has skyrocketed my productivity, and I’ve built a routine that truly supports a balanced lifestyle, allowing me to still be quite social.”

Caitlin Emiko before starting her health and mindset journey. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
Caitlin Emiko before starting her health and mindset journey. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
Emiko today, feeling happier and healthier. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
Emiko today, feeling happier and healthier. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko

Her income has ‘doubled’

She says this new-found clarity and structure has directly led to her doubling her income.

“I used to get stuck in ruts and procrastinate, but Jesse has taught me various techniques to boost my workflow,” she said.

“While most trainers focus on physical progress, Jesse has functioned more like a life coach, helping me rewire my mindset, silence negative self-talk, and overcome years of food noise.

“For the first time, I’m not just forming healthy habits, I’m laying down a foundation that will last a lifetime.”

She says working with a coach has doubled her income. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
She says working with a coach has doubled her income. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
Not only does he help her with her training and diet, but her lifestyle and mindset too. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
Not only does he help her with her training and diet, but her lifestyle and mindset too. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko

What is food noise?

In one of her videos on the topic, which has amassed over 170,000 views, Emiko mentioned that her “food noise” likely stemmed from having an “almond mum,” which is a term used to describe a parent obsessed with healthy eating and diet culture.

Food noise is a term used to describe constant and intrusive thoughts about food, cravings and eating.

According to Karina Savage, Paediatric Dietitian, mum, and founder of Nourishing Kids, food noise begins in childhood, with parents playing a significant role in shaping how their children think and feel about eating and their bodies.

“We discuss nutrition extensively but not enough about how we feel about food. That emotional connection starts young and lasts a lifetime,” she told news.com.au.

“Parents have the power to help their children build a healthy, confident approach to eating.”

And food noise isn’t just a passing thought, she points out.

“It can be an ongoing, debilitating presence that affects mental health, self-esteem, and even the ability to enjoy social experiences.

“When food noise takes over, it can influence everything – from productivity to confidence – creating unnecessary stress around something as fundamental as eating.

“A healthy feeding environment in childhood lays the groundwork for a future free from food guilt, restriction, or obsession.”

Emiko now realises that ‘food noise’ was holding her back in her career. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
Emiko now realises that ‘food noise’ was holding her back in her career. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
She is now starting to develop a healthier relationship with food and her diet. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko
She is now starting to develop a healthier relationship with food and her diet. Picture: TikTok/caitlin.emiko

Her journey is inspiring others

After sharing her results from working with a trainer on her TikTok, Emiko’s followers were amazed.

“The income thing is so interesting too logistically, I’m intrigued,” reads one comment.

“You look amazing; I’m so happy for you. The mental shift > everything,” says another.

“Loving the transparency around food and mindset,” a third wrote.

“A routine is so vital! Your journey inspires me,” another viewer added.

Originally published as Surprising way 26yo ‘doubled income’ through mindset shift

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/health/surprising-way-26yo-doubled-income-through-mindset-shift/news-story/de7c6068b735ef75860ebff729129589