I want to share something raw and real with you—something I’ve never spoken about publicly until now. Have you ever felt completely trapped by your own habits? Like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to break free? That was my life. I was stuck in a cycle of guilt, shame, and overeating that felt impossible to escape. But what if I told you there’s a way out—and it starts with one small step?
I remember the night I sat on the couch, surrounded by empty wrappers, feeling sick and ashamed. I’d promised myself, “Tomorrow will be different,” but deep down, I knew it wouldn’t. I was trapped in a cycle I didn’t know how to break.
Approximately 2/10 adults and 1/10 children in the U.S. exhibit signs of food addiction.
That’s millions of people struggling in silence, often without realizing it.
And even if you don’t identify with the term “food addiction,” ask yourself this: Do you have the relationship with food that you want? If your gut is larger than you’d like it to be, chances are, food is playing a bigger role in your life than it should.
I know because I’ve been there. I used to think of myself as a “food alcoholic.” Food wasn’t just fuel; it was my comfort, my escape, and my coping mechanism.
I’d eat and eat, long past the point of being full, and then feel ashamed afterward. It wasn’t just about hunger—it was about numbing something deeper.
The Truth About Addiction
Here’s the thing about any addiction: you don’t just wake up one day completely “cured.” That’s not how it works.
What I’ve learned is that recovery often means replacing one addiction with another—hopefully, a healthier one.
For me, I’ve switched my addiction to food into something that serves me better. I’m now “addicted” to the feeling of energy, lightness, and control that comes from eating well and staying active.
And while I know that might still sound like an addiction, it’s one that helps me live my best life rather than holding me back.
The second thing I’ve learned? Your body changes with your habits. When you consistently eat healthier foods, your microbiome—the ecosystem of bacteria in your gut—starts to shift.
Over time, you stop craving the processed junk that used to control you and start craving the healthier foods you’ve been fueling yourself with.
I used to be able to eat an entire bag of family-style fried potato chips.
I never really felt good after eating the whole bag, but I felt good while I was eating it. The same thing happened with Nutty Buddies.
I would’ve loved to just eat one Nutty Buddy, but once I got a taste for it, I wasn’t willing to stop until the box was empty. In some cases, I would eat 24 Nutty Buddies in one sitting—and those things are 350 calories each.
Now that I eat a pretty good diet most of the time, I rarely want potato chips, french fries, or dessert. Those things just sound like they’re going to make me feel gross.
Not bad as in sad, but like my body is unhealthy. I don’t like that feeling because I’ve noticed what good food does to my body and my brain—and I’ve noticed what shitty food does to my body and brain.
The difference is so stark now that I don’t even miss the junk.
The Breaking Point
My turning point came when I was talking to a friend of mine who lives in Utah.
She had always been a little out of shape and a little overweight. When I went to visit her, she looked extremely healthy.
I didn’t get to see her transition, so it really surprised me. I asked her what she was doing differently, and she said the main thing she did was change her relationship with food.
She stopped eating to feel good and started eating to fuel her body. It was a new concept to me, but it stuck with me and ultimately inspired me to do the same.
One day, I hit rock bottom. I realized that if I didn’t take control, I’d never feel good about myself—physically or mentally.
I wanted to enjoy food without guilt and finally feel free. So, I made a decision: I had to change.
But I didn’t do it alone. I hired a personal coach who helped me with my nutrition, supplementation, and exercise.
Having someone guide me, hold me accountable, and provide a clear plan made all the difference.
One of the first things my coach taught me was to focus on eating more healthy food than bad food choices.
It was a game-changer because healthy food wasn’t as calorie-dense, which meant I could still eat until I felt full without the guilt. Instead of fighting hunger, I started learning how to stay satisfied by prioritizing nutrient-dense meals.
How I Can Help You Break Free
If this story resonates with you, then you already know how important it is to make lasting changes. Many of you reading this are already working with me, and I’m proud to be part of your journey.
For those of you still considering, here’s how I can support you:
- Personalized Nutrition Guidance: I’ll help you build a meal plan that’s full of healthy, satisfying foods tailored to your needs, so you can feel full and energized without the guilt.
- Helpful, Practical Tips: From understanding how to stay full on nutrient-dense meals to navigating social events or cravings, I’ll share strategies that have worked for me and my clients.
- Accountability to Stay Consistent: Progress isn’t linear, and having someone in your corner who understands your struggles can make all the difference. I’ll check in with you regularly, celebrate your wins, and help you course-correct when needed.
- Mindset Coaching: Together, we’ll dig into the “why” behind your habits and reframe the way you think about food, hunger, and progress.
- A Clear Path Forward: I’ll give you a step-by-step plan that feels manageable and realistic for your lifestyle.
3 Quick Wins to Start Today
Whether you’re working with me already or just starting to explore your next steps, here are three small actions you can take today to shift your habits:
- Swap out your favorite processed snack for a whole-food alternative you enjoy.
- Drink a glass of water before every meal to curb overeating.
- Plan one healthy, filling meal today that you know you’ll love.
Where I Am Today
Today, I’m proud to say I’ve maintained a healthy relationship with food for years.
It’s not just about the physical results (although, yes, I’ve been able to see my abs for three years straight!). More importantly, I’ve reclaimed control over my life. Food no longer owns me.
You’re Not Alone
Breaking free from food addiction isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But every small step forward counts.
For those of you working with me already, keep going—you’re doing the work, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
For those still deciding, don’t wait to feel better in your body and mind. Imagine waking up without guilt, energized, and in control of your food choices.
Let’s make it happen together. Reach out today, and let’s create the transformation you deserve.