The Weight We Carry Isn’t Always Measured in Pounds
If sticking to healthy habits was just about willpower, we’d all have it down by now, right?
But we know it’s not that simple. I’ve been there—trying over and over again, thinking I just needed to try harder. The truth is, when it comes to food and our relationship with it, there’s so much more going on under the surface.
Food as Comfort and Protection
For many of us, food isn’t just something to eat.
It’s comfort.
It’s protection.
Sometimes, it’s the only thing that feels like it’s always there when life gets hard.
I’ve had countless moments in my life where food became my go-to when things got overwhelming—whether it was rejection, loneliness, or stress.
I wasn’t just reaching for food; I was reaching for something to soothe the emotions I didn’t want to deal with.
When we’re under stress, food can feel like a reliable friend.
But here’s the thing: it’s not about hunger. It’s about finding comfort, something to ease the emotional burden.
The pounds we carry aren’t just on the outside—they represent:
Unresolved feelings
Unmet needs
Emotional wounds we haven’t healed
Why Do We Turn to Food?
There’s real science behind why we reach for sweets and comfort foods. It’s not just a matter of willpower; it’s tied to how our brains are wired.
Sugary or high-fat foods trigger the brain’s reward center, specifically the nucleus accumbens.
This part of the brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical.
That rush of dopamine gives us a quick hit of pleasure and relief, making emotional eating feel good—in the moment.
Here’s the catch:
The relief is short-lived. The dopamine wears off, and we’re left back where we started—except now, we’re also carrying the guilt or frustration of having eaten something we told ourselves we wouldn’t.
What Are We Protecting Ourselves From?
For me, food was about more than pleasure—it was protection.
But even though the weight was protective, I felt awful about being overweight.
I resented myself for not being thin.
I hated that I couldn’t just be like others who seemed effortlessly slim.
The weight was shielding me emotionally, but it was also a source of shame and frustration.
We each have our unique reasons for turning to food. It’s not just about hunger—it’s about how we use food to cope with emotions we can’t handle in other ways. Recognizing this is the first step to understanding what’s really going on.
Losing Weight Doesn’t Fix What’s Underneath
Here’s the thing: if losing weight was the solution, I wouldn’t have rebounded after losing 50 pounds.
When I lost that weight, I thought I’d finally be free.
But I wasn’t ready for who I was underneath it all.
I was still that scared, wounded teenager who desperately wanted attention but was terrified of it at the same time.
Losing weight didn’t heal the emotional pain I was carrying.
Once the physical armor was gone, I felt exposed. I didn’t believe I deserved to be noticed, and I didn’t know how to navigate life without that shield. So, the weight came back.
How Do We Break Free?
Stop focusing on the scale.
It’s tempting to think losing weight will fix everything, but without addressing the emotional reasons behind eating, we’ll stay stuck in the same cycle.Ask yourself: What am I really craving?
It’s probably not food. It’s:Comfort
Connection
Relief from stress, loneliness, or rejection
Be compassionate with yourself.
Instead of guilt, try to understand your feelings. Be curious about why you’re turning to food, and treat yourself with kindness in those moments.
Shift the Focus from Food to Emotions
The next time you feel the pull toward sweets or snacks, pause. Ask yourself:
What am I really feeling right now?
Is it stress? Anxiety? Loneliness?
The more we name and acknowledge those feelings, the more we can start addressing them directly—rather than using food to cope.
Healing is About Small, Mindful Changes
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Start with small, manageable shifts.
Pause before you eat and ask yourself:
“Am I really hungry, or am I just tired, stressed, or overwhelmed?”
These small steps add up, gradually changing how we relate to food—and how we heal the emotional weight we’ve been carrying.
It’s Not Just About Losing Pounds
Your relationship with food is complex. The weight you’ve carried has served a purpose, but it’s also been holding you back.
Maybe it’s time to let it go—not just physically, but emotionally.
You deserve to feel whole—not because of a number on the scale, but because you’ve healed what’s been driving the emotional eating.
Ready to take that first step? Let’s dive into your story together. Click below to set up a strategy call.
