Helen was a sedentary emotional eater with various health issues.
Hear how she “broke up” with food and found the discipline to put herself first and drop over 110 pounds.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Weight Gain Background and Contributing Factors
Helen has been heavier her entire life. Her mother had gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, and Helen entered the world at a whopping 10 pounds. (4.54 kg)
She grew up being sedentary, and describes there being lots of turmoil and struggle in her childhood, which she believes led to the start of emotional eating.
Helen was teased and bullied at school, and as she got older, something became clear to her:
“If I was funny, then the focus would be on how funny I was, and not how big I was.”
She was always insecure about relationships, but learned to use her humor and personality to “hide” from the shame she felt.
“There was a lot of love surrounding me, but I didn’t believe I deserved it.”
Helen had tried getting healthier multiple times, but had been unsuccessful every time. She reflects on those attempts and admits that when she would eat healthy, she neglected exercise, and when she exercised, she would not eat healthy.
Another challenge for her was the love of bread and carbohydrates.
“I say I was born in a bag of chips and I grew up in a loaf of bread, because I LOVE carbs.”
Helen reached a peak weight of 281 pounds. (127.7 kg)
She experienced breathing problems in the past, severe anxiety, arthritis in her back, and other degenerative issues.
The Turning Point
Helen faced her fortieth birthday with some difficult circumstances. She had just lost a sister, had been facing health issues, and woke up one morning with the realization that she had spent her entire life in poor health. How was the rest of her life going to look?
How long would the rest of her life be?
Starting The Weight Loss Journey
Helen began by walking. She would walk a local track for 45 minutes at a time, and worked to make it a consistent habit that she made time for.
She increased her protein intake and decreased carbohydrates. She cut out bread and chips.
Helen also used lunch hours to get active and go for runs.
One of the most helpful shifts for Helen was her mindset. She worked to maintain an attitude of “constant gratitude” so she could be positive and open to positivity from herself and other people.
Staying Motivated
One of the motivating forces for Helen was the story of Arthur Boorman, and of knowing what was possible when fear and doubt were no longer factors.
“If he can do that, I can do that.”
Helen stopped feeling sorry for herself and focused on the fact that she is lucky to walk, lucky to breathe, and that “every day is another chance to start over.” People in other parts of the world don’t have the same opportunity or security.
“Living Fear-Free”
Helen reminds herself often that she has made a commitment to herself to become the best version of her that she can be.
“This is the one body you’ve got…”
What Helen Learned About Food, Exercise, and Herself
Helen opens up about how hard it was to counter negativity and replace it with positivity. She shares that “you get what you give,” and that by being positive for others, she became more capable and willing to accept and receive support as well.
She also sought counseling to help tackle some issues that were impacting her emotional ties with food. Over time, she conquered this:
“I broke up with food.”
Helen’s Advice For Your Journey
- Find the opportunity to move! There are so many benefits from exercise that it’s helpful, both mentally and physically, to get active.
“The mental weight is so much worse than the physical… Never give up.”
- Learn what your triggers are, so you understand what to avoid and how. If you often give in to snacks offered at the office, what are some ways you can avoid them?
- If you have children, go out and be active with them. Share time setting an example of being active and being completely engaged with others, rather than immersed in technology or television.
- Helen shares a caution for parents, like herself, who never considered how their behaviors and lifestyles impacted their children as well:
“What you say to your child becomes their inner voice.”
- Really think about who you could be if you were a better version of you.
- Eat more vegetables and try to reduce your consumption of bread and sugar.
- Set up your environment to make you successful. For example, do not eat while watching television.
On Helen’s Workout Playlist
- Walking on Air by Katy Perry [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Play Hard by Ne-Yo & Akon [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Crank It Up by David Guetta & Akon [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Bruno Mars [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Beth Nielsen Chapman [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Jon Mayer [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- I Believe I Can Fly by Jermaine Paul [ Amazon / iTunes ]
- Celine Dion [ Amazon / iTunes ]
Contacting Helen
Reach out and say Hello to Helen!
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