For most of my life, food was a reward or a companion. When I decided to lose weight, I went about it in a highly restrictive way. The weight came off but there were downsides. I was eating a large amount of processed food, and all the diet restrictions made it hard to socialize. It would be fair to say I was food obsessed through endless calculation of the value of what I’d eaten and strategizing what I still could eat that day that would make me happy. I was not sleeping well, which affected everything; mood, hormones and relationships. I was dependent on willpower to keep the weight off and even though I dreaded exercise, I did it all the time. I felt I had to exercise in order to make up for mistakes I’d made with food by eating too much or the wrong thing. Eventually, the wheels came off altogether when the restrictive diet went out the window and the weight returned.

I had no interest in repeating the cycle I had been through, but I desperately wanted to return to a healthy body weight and also become a healthy person inside and out. I realized a new relationship with food was required. I began to pay more attention to the impact of what I was eating and started forming connections between my headaches and lack of energy with the food I ate. I began to explore new food choices that supported better digestion. I also discovered the combination of foods that improved my focus and found ways to prepare them that tasted incredible. I opened up my life to new possibilities and nourished myself in ways I never had before. I invested time unlearning deep-seeded beliefs and behaviors that no longer served my well-being. Guilt trips were out and having fun was in.

I am thrilled to report that this new approach resulted in the weight loss I wanted. Today I easily maintain a healthy body weight. Beach vacations don’t scare me; I am living my dream life. I have energy for all the things I care about. I don’t need a lot of time recovering physically before I am ready for whatever comes next. It’s been such a fun surprise to get stronger as I get older. The food I enjoy today is highly varied and delicious. I sleep well and typically get up before the alarm. I feel calm and confident going into new situations and expect to enjoy myself pretty much wherever I go. And, I love trying new activities which keep me surrounded by family and friends, my all-time favorite place to be!