Emotional Eating: Growing Up with Food as Comfort
Hi, I’m Dennis, the creator of Justenrobe.com. I’ve lived through the struggle of emotional eating, burnout, and being morbidly obese, and this is my emotional eating weight loss journey. Today, I’m living a healthier, more fulfilling life, and I want to share how I made that shift.
From a young age, food wasn’t just nourishment, it was comfort, my friend, and sometimes my escape. Sweet, heavy foods became my source of calm. I didn’t realize it then, but this habit was quietly becoming an obsession.
One day, at age 10, I started at a new school. As I walked in, a group of kids saw me and literally ran into their classroom. That moment shattered something inside me, and emotional eating became my coping mechanism.
The Hidden Struggle: Binge Eating and Shame
I’d hide when I ate, inventing meals from whatever I could find: pita wraps with butter, chocolate, crushed nuts, even melted cheese. My eating wasn’t driven by hunger but by loneliness, boredom, and emotional pain.
At 19, I became a dad. A woman gently but seriously told me I needed to lose weight not to look good, but to live. It was the first compassionate conversation about my weight I’d ever had.
My Turning Point: Choosing Health Over Diets
I tried countless diets: Cambridge, 5:2, no-carb, salads-only, even tonic water. I exercised regularly, but nothing lasted. Diets felt like punishment and deprivation, causing me to regain all lost weight and more.
One day, in quiet reflection, a thought struck me clearly: Give your body a break. I began learning deeply about health, mindset, gut health, self-care, and mindful movement. I understood for the first time why these things mattered.
Transforming Mindset and Habits: Building a New Life
Intermittent fasting changed everything. Initially, fasting from 5 PM until noon the next day was tough. I felt dizzy and hungry, but gradually, my body adjusted. Eventually, I comfortably fasted 16–18 hours daily.
I switched to real food, mostly plant-based meals filled with fiber-rich vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats like avocado. Hydration became essential. Exercise returned to my routine not as punishment, but as a celebration of life.
My mindset shifted profoundly. I replaced thoughts like “I need to lose weight” with empowering beliefs: “I am healthy and strong. I choose peace and a better life.”
Sustainable Living: Beyond Dieting
Today, I don’t believe in restrictive diets. I believe in a sustainable, enjoyable lifestyle. I practice mindfulness with food, movement, and rest. My physical and mental health have undergone significant transformation: I’ve lost weight, eliminated brain fog, improved my sleep, and regained confidence.
Not through dieting but through self-understanding. This emotional eating weight loss journey changed everything.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re struggling, know you’re not alone. Perfection isn’t required. Punishment isn’t necessary. Every small step counts, whether it’s eating slightly later, walking a few minutes more, or drinking extra water.
I created JustenRobe.com to support your transformation. This is about lasting change, not quick fixes.
If I could rise from emotional eating and morbid obesity, you absolutely can too. You may also like Overcoming Emotional Eating
Ready to transform your life? Join our community today! Download my free guide, ‘7 Days to a Healthier You,’ and take your first empowering step now.
