When I was 17, my mom died in a car accident, and that’s when my unhealthy addiction to food started. I became an emotional eater and ate to mask the mental and emotional trauma I was dealing with. I did all the normal stuff, graduated high school, and went to college, where I met my husband. We got very comfortable in our relationship and spent the evening’s binge-eating on unhealthy processed foods.
At 200lbs, I wasn’t happy with my weight and tried to lose it. I have an extreme personality and would put myself on a really strict diet. But I was trying to do too much at once, and I quickly lost motivation and returned to my old habits. I developed a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis, which made my job as a nurse very difficult. I worked 12.5-hour shifts, and it was hard for me to stand up. By the time I got home, I couldn’t walk properly.
I had several other health problems, including high blood pressure and lower back pain. I was so ashamed of my weight that I’d hide my breathing problems from my friends when we were together.
At age 29, I weighed 284 pounds, and at only 5’4”, I was carrying too much weight for my tiny frame. I was about to turn 30, I felt I had wasted my twenties in a body I didn’t like, and now it was time to make a change. I confided in a friend about how I felt, and she recommended the Noom app. I was initially skeptical, but I decided to try it. At this point, I was willing to do anything.
I was drawn to Noom because I could still eat the foods I loved. I just had to incorporate more healthy foods and eat everything else in moderation. Within a few weeks, I started losing weight, which motivated me to continue. I lost 60 pounds in six months and decided to start exercising. I joined my local gym and hired a personal trainer for one hour a week. The weight kept falling off, and my body was getting stronger.
One of the strategies that really helped me during my weight loss journey is meal prep. I will always struggle with my eating habits, but meal prepping reduces the temptation to order a takeaway. When I’m hungry, and a healthy option is available, I’ll always choose the good over the bad. I also surrounded myself with the right people who encouraged me and pushed me to keep going. Joining a Facebook group with a community of people going through the same struggles as me was really helpful.
Although I’ve lost weight and have never been happier, maintaining the weight loss is harder than losing it. Some days are better than others, but I keep going regardless of how I feel because I never want to return to being overweight. I tell my story not so people can pat me on the back but to give others hope. I have survived a tragedy and become better because of it. I know my mom would be proud of what I’ve achieved. My message to anyone reading this is that you can become the best version of yourself if you’re willing to put the work in and never give up.
