In this episode, our guest Al, a woman I’ve had the pleasure of coaching 1:1 for the past 6 months, shares her personal journey of overcoming lifelong yo-yo dieting, emotional eating and using exercise as punishment.

Growing up in a household where dieting was normalized, Al details how she grew up believing that she could not trust herself to make good choices about food and movement, causing her to look for external validation by using tracking apps  but never feeling like she was getting it “right”.  

After seeking one-on-one coaching, her perspective on food, body image, and self-worth shifted dramatically, as she built up trust in her ability to care for herself. 

Throughout the conversation, Al recounts specific moments of learning to navigate emotions without turning to food, developing healthier habits, and ultimately finding freedom from tracking food and movement. 

Notably, she discusses how these personal changes have also positively influenced her parenting, enabling her to pass down healthier emotional and eating practices to her children. 

Our conversation delves into the challenges and breakthroughs Al experienced, illustrating the profound impact of emotional work and body acceptance on her life and the lives of those around her.

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Summary

In this inspiring episode of The Power in Motion Podcast, my client Al shares her  journey of body acceptance and  managing emotions without food. 

From Dieting to Intuitive Eating

Al shares her transformative experience from battling yo-yo dieting to discovering intuitive eating and, most importantly, how she learned to manage emotions in healthier ways. This story is an exploration of personal growth, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.

Al’s story begins in her childhood home, where good intentions paved the way for early dieting and a relationship with food that would challenge her for years to come. Despite her mother’s well-meaning approach to health, it led Al down a path of yo-yo dieting, a struggle that many find all too familiar. It wasn’t until Al stumbled upon intuitive eating and a podcast episode with another client of mine, that her journey took a turn towards self-liberation. According to Al, “It was about reading, investigating, and fundamentally changing my entire approach to living without being tied to a diet.”

The Struggle with External Validation and Tracking

Understanding the basics of intuitive eating marked Al’s first steps toward freedom, but the real challenge lay in managing emotions without food. Tracking food and movement provided a false sense of control and validation, yet deep down, Al struggled with feeling adequate simply as she was. The turning point came when Al reached out for a consultation, hoping to dive deeper into the emotional aspects of her relationship with food and body image. “I was struggling with how to feel like I was good just as I am,” Al shares, shedding light on the emotional turmoil that often accompanies disordered eating patterns.

Previously, Al’s measure of success heavily relied on external validation from wearables like Fitbit and tracking apps. Despite diligently tracking every step, sleep, and heart rate, something was amiss. She shares, “It was falling apart because, despite doing everything ‘right,’ I was still grappling with physical discomforts.” This realization sparked a pivotal shift toward internal sources of validation, focusing on feeling good in her body rather than meeting external standards.

Discovering the Power of One-on-One Coaching

Al’s decision to pursue coaching offered new perspectives and strategies for managing emotions without food. Through one-on-one coaching, she discovered the power of tapping into her emotions, grounding herself, and, most significantly, having her own back. Al recounted an impactful moment while parenting her children, a scenario that previously would have led to stress eating. Instead, she managed to remain calm, navigate through the situation, and choose self-care over food as a means of coping.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Emotional Eating

Coaching not only altered Al’s relationship with food and exercise but also how she perceived her body and worthiness. By embracing her identity and worth independent of her size, Al embarked on a journey of acceptance and self-love that radiated confidence and freedom. 

She reminisces about past restrictions and how she now lives vibrantly, even purchasing cheetah print swimsuits, a testament to her newfound self-acceptance.

Looking Forward: Building a Legacy

Al’s narrative is not just a story of personal triumph over food and body image issues; it’s a beacon of hope for others trapped in similar struggles. By sharing her journey, Al illuminates the path for managing emotions without food, advocating for self-investment, emotional intelligence, and the invaluable support coaching can provide. 

Her transformation is a powerful reminder that change is possible, encouraging listeners to seek support and prioritize their well-being.

Emotional Intelligence and Managing Emotions without Food

Al’s interview highlights a profound message: managing emotions without food is attainable. Al’s story guides us through the significance of internal validation, the power of coaching, and the beauty of self-acceptance. 

Let her journey inspire you to explore new avenues of emotional resilience and embark on your path to a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with food and yourself. Remember, the first step could be as simple as reaching out for a consultation, setting the stage for a changed life.

Radiant Vitality – Kim Hagle

Body Image Coaching – Size Inclusive Fitness – Non-Diet Nutrition

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