From Binge Eating to Food Freedom: My Journey of Healing

Let's face it, social media paints a rosy picture of health and wellness. But the reality is, life throws curveballs, even with the best intentions. Seven years ago, I hit a personal low with food. Stress and emotional turmoil led to a massive binge, followed by the familiar wave of shame.

This time, however, I refused to fall into the self-hatred trap. Instead, I grabbed my journal and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I became my own "food detective," digging into the emotions that triggered the binge.

For me, stress and sadness were often the culprits. This particular time, the feeling of being completely out of control sent me reaching for chocolate chip cookies in a desperate attempt to regain some sense of power.

The physical discomfort was bad enough, but the emotional toll was worse. However, this experience turned out to be a turning point. It was the day I began to understand my relationship with food on a deeper level.

This isn't a story about fad diets or quick fixes. It's about the long, sometimes messy journey of healing. Here are the key lessons I learned:

• Ditch the Diet Mentality: Obsessing over calories and restrictions only fueled the cravings. I embraced intuitive eating, learning to listen to my body's hunger and fullness cues.

• Make Peace with Food: Eliminating "good" and "bad" labels allowed me to enjoy all foods in moderation. This took away the power of the "forbidden fruit" mentality.

• Identify Triggers: Stress, boredom, and even social situations could send me down a binge path. I learned to recognize these triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend.

• Practice Self-Compassion: There were setbacks. But instead of beating myself up, I embraced self-compassion, understanding that progress isn't always linear.

• Celebrate Non-Scale Victories: The focus shifted from weight loss to overall well-being. I celebrated improvements in energy levels, sleep quality, and a more positive body image.

The journey wasn't easy, but it absolutely transformed my relationship with food.

Today, I have a balanced and peaceful approach. I nourish my body with what it needs, while still allowing myself to enjoy treats.

Remember, you're not alone in this. If you're struggling with binge eating, there are resources available to help. Consider booking a complimentary discovery call with me to learn how private coaching can help you change negative eating habits for good.

This is just the beginning of your story. What steps will you take to build a healthier relationship with food?

xo,

Amy

P.S. you can listen to the latest podcast about my last binge here.

Listen to Fat2Fierce® The Confidence Chronicles Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Audible, and YouTube.  And join me on TikTok: @amyenglishcc.