The truth about dropping those pounds...

There are a myriad of reasons why people overeat. I have had to deal with eating disorders since I was very young, so being at the point in my life where I am in control of that means ALOT. It is still a daily struggle because what most people don't understand is food addiction is much harder to overcome than something like alcohol or drugs.  The reason being is because we NEED food in order to live. You don't have the luxury of just quitting 'cold turkey' and never touching it again.

Overcoming food addiction is a process, it takes self control and discipline, but also requires some type of healing, therapy, and/or identification of what the root issue is.

Usually those who abuse food are dealing with something else and the overeating is just a response or coping mechanism to a particular trauma that may have occurred. These can be physical, mental or emotional.

So the next time you see someone morbidly obese try to be a bit more compassionate than judgemental. Be encouraging versus discouraging (or be quiet). For me, there were times growing up when food was a bit scarce, so whenever I did have enough, I would scarf down as much as possible in the fear that there might not be any later. Sexual abuse also played a part in my overeating because the extra weight made me feel 'safer' (and less attractive, which meant less of a target) as I grew up. Then came the bulimia in high school, the weight fluctuations (up and down back and forth) in my 20's because I had not dealt with the real issues of WHY I would overeat.

Thankfully, at 32, I am in a very good place. Over a year ago I joined a wonderful tough love weight loss group on Instagram called #FCKBEINGFAT (@fbffitness). I make better choices and better decisions. I still eat what I like, but in moderation. I am honest with myself and no longer use food as a coping mechanism to deal with other things. I share this with all of you who may be struggling internally as you embark on your own journeys to being healthier. Its not just about 'looks' because without changing your mindset, you will still see the old person in the mirror even after the weight is gone. The best and MOST EFFECTIVE way to keep the weight off is to be honest (even if it is painful) and deal with the 'WHY'. It could be as simple as 'i just love the way that shit tastes and can never seem to get enough' or something much deeper, but deal with it and you will reap the rewards (healing being one of them (aesthetics aside)).

 Be well my fellow weight warriors and remember...your mental health is just as important as your physical health.