Introduction: Weight loss is a journey that many of us embark on at some point in our lives. For some, it’s a temporary pursuit, while for others, like myself, it becomes a lifelong struggle. In this blog post, I want to share my personal story of battling obesity for most of my life, the ups and downs of countless diets, and the realization that the key to lasting change lies not just in what we eat but in understanding why we eat. Join me on a journey of self-discovery, as I reflect on the past 45 years of my life.
The Vicious Cycle of Yo-Yo Dieting: I have been overweight for as long as I can remember, and by the time I turned 18, I was classified as morbidly obese. Over the years, I tried numerous diets, and to my frustration, they all seemed to work—for a while. I would lose significant weight, only to regain it and more once I returned to my old eating habits. This cycle of weight loss and gain became increasingly demoralizing.
Understanding the Root Cause: One day, as I hit the age of 53, I had a revelation. It wasn’t just about what I was eating; it was about why I was eating. I needed to explore the emotional triggers behind my relationship with food. I realized that, like many people, I was using food as a coping mechanism to deal with underlying emotional issues.
Healing from Within: The turning point came when I decided to seek help and understand what had led me to self-destructive eating habits. I began therapy to address the emotional wounds that had accumulated over the years. It was challenging, but as I started healing from within, I noticed changes in my relationship with food.
The Power of Self-Reflection: I started asking myself tough questions, just as I wish more doctors would. “What happened to you in your life to make you want to kill yourself with food?” Those words resonated deeply. I realized that my weight struggles were intertwined with past traumas and emotional scars that I had been ignoring for too long.
The Road to Sustainable Weight Loss: As I confronted my emotional baggage, I learned that sustainable weight loss isn’t just about diets; it’s about self-love and self-care. I started making healthier food choices without depriving myself of the foods I loved. I learned to create delicious, nutritious meals with lower calories.
A Glimpse into the Past: Looking back, I can’t help but wonder what might have been if I had found this path to sustainable weight loss 40 years ago. I’ve lost and gained thousands of pounds throughout my life, but now I am on the right track.
Conclusion: My journey has been one of self-discovery and healing. It’s a reminder that weight loss is not just a physical battle but a deeply emotional one. If you’re struggling with weight, I encourage you to ask yourself, “What happened to you?” Seek help, reflect on your relationship with food, and remember that lasting change begins from within. It’s never too late to embark on a journey of self-discovery and make the changes needed to lead a healthier, happier life.