My Journey with Yo-Yo Dieting: From Teen Years to Acceptance

Hey there, friends!

Today, I want to get real and share a part of my journey that’s been quite the rollercoaster: my relationship with dieting, weight, and self-acceptance. It’s a story filled with ups and downs, and I hope that by sharing it, I can connect with some of you who might be on a similar path.

I wasn’t a chubby kid growing up, but gradually, during my teenage years, I started to gain weight. I wasn’t into sports; you could always find me buried in my books, studying and seeking knowledge rather than engaging in physical activities. This was long before the time of smartphones and social media, so I can’t blame those distractions for my lifestyle choices. In fact, we didn’t even have cable TV, so you rarely saw me sitting in front of the screen. My world was more about academics than athletics, and as I focused on my studies, my relationship with food started to shift.

As I transitioned into adulthood, I fell into the trap of yo-yo dieting. I would lose weight, feel great, and then, just like that, it would all come crashing down. It felt like I was on a never-ending cycle of hope and disappointment. Then, after having my daughter Alyssa, I finally lost weight and felt like I was reclaiming my body and my life. I was proud of my progress and thrilled to show up as the best version of myself for her.

But then came COVID-19. The stress, the uncertainty, and the isolation took a toll on my mental health and, unfortunately, my physical health too. I found myself reaching for comfort food more often than I care to admit. I slipped back into old habits, and before I knew it, the weight crept back on. It was disheartening, and I often felt like I was back at square one, grappling with feelings of failure and frustration.

It wasn’t until I finally decided to seek help that things started to change. Accepting that I needed support was a huge turning point for me. It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about healing my relationship with food and understanding the emotional triggers behind my choices. I began to learn about self-compassion, mindful eating, and the importance of nurturing my mental well-being alongside my physical health.

Slowly but surely, I started losing most of the weight again—not just as a number on a scale, but in how I felt about myself. It became less about the appearance and more about the lifestyle. I embraced the journey rather than fixating on the destination. Each small step was a victory, and I learned to celebrate the process, not just the results.

This journey has taught me so much about resilience, vulnerability, and the power of asking for help. We often feel we have to go it alone, but reaching out can be one of the bravest things we can do for ourselves. It’s okay to lean on others and to recognize that we all have our battles.

If you’re on a similar path—dealing with weight fluctuations or struggling to find balance—know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to stumble and to feel overwhelmed. What matters is that we keep moving forward, one step at a time. Embrace your story, with all its highs and lows, and remember that self-acceptance is a powerful tool on this journey.

Here’s to finding freedom in our bodies and minds, and to the incredible strength that comes from vulnerability. Let’s continue to support one another on this wild ride!