If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of dieting, frustration, and emotional eating, you’re not alone.
Many women find themselves trapped in restrictive eating plans that leave them feeling deprived, only to return to old habits.
In this post, we explore Gale’s transformative journey from yo-yo dieting to mindful eating.
Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and a newfound confidence in making food choices that nourish her body and mind.
The Struggle with Dieting and Emotional Eating
For years, Gale attempted to follow various diets and nutrition programs. However, each time she found herself struggling to stick to them, feeling restricted and unsupported.
“I hated living with the restrictions they imposed,” she shares.
Like many others, Gale also faced emotional eating.
Stress, grief, and life’s challenges often led her to seek comfort in food, which only perpetuated the cycle of guilt and frustration.
Despite her best efforts, traditional diet programs failed to provide her with the lasting change she desired.
A Turning Point: Discovering Mindful Eating
Gale’s journey took a pivotal turn when she attended a talk on mindful eating by Sallyanne, founder of Eating for You.
The idea of breaking free from dieting and embracing a non-restrictive approach immediately resonated with her.
She realised that mindful eating was different—it wasn’t about counting calories or following rigid meal plans.
Instead, it encouraged her to listen to her body and make conscious food choices without guilt.
The Foundations of Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is about awareness, presence, and making food choices based on hunger, satisfaction, and nourishment.
Here are the key shifts that helped Gale transform her relationship with food:
- Learning to Pause and Reflect One of the most powerful lessons Gale learned was to pause before eating.
“I would hear Sallyanne’s voice in my head saying, ‘Pause, think, then decide.”
This simple practice allowed her to step out of autopilot mode and make intentional decisions about food. - Understanding Emotional Triggers Through mindful eating, Gale became more aware of her emotional triggers for eating.
Instead of using food as a coping mechanism for stress or sadness, she learned to explore other forms of self-care, such as deep breathing and meditation. - Letting Go of Dieting Rules One of the biggest shifts in Gale’s mindset was realising that she didn’t have to live by rigid food rules.
Instead of labelling foods as “good” or “bad,” she focused on balance and moderation. This helped her build a more sustainable way of eating. - Reconnecting with the Joy of Cooking After years of losing interest in cooking due to life’s challenges, Gale found herself enjoying preparing meals again.
She started using fresh ingredients from her own garden and even exchanged homegrown produce with her neighbours.
Cooking became an act of self-care rather than a chore.
Mindfulness Beyond Eating
Mindful eating not only helped Gale improve her relationship with food but also influenced other aspects of her life.
She started practicing mindfulness throughout her day, helping her manage stress, make more intentional choices, and regain confidence in herself.
One of the most significant changes for Gale was learning to put herself first.
After years of being a carer for her husband and mother, she realised the importance of prioritising her own well-being.
“For the first time in a long time, I’m learning to do things for myself without feeling guilty,” she reflects.
How Mindful Eating Supports Health Goals
A key aspect of Gale’s transformation was managing her type 2 diabetes.
Before mindful eating, she often felt overwhelmed by her diagnosis and pushed it to the back of her mind.
However, by adopting a balanced approach, she gained more control over her blood sugar levels and found strategies that worked for her lifestyle.
One of the pivotal moments in her journey was participating in the Eating for You no added sugar challenge.
Through this experience, she became more aware of hidden sugars in foods and made small yet impactful changes to her food choices.
These small shifts added up, helping her feel more in control of her health.
A Lifelong Solution, Not a Quick Fix
Mindful eating isn’t about perfection. Gale acknowledges that there were times she slipped back into old habits, but she now has the tools to course-correct without guilt.
“In the past, if I had a bad day, I’d feel like I failed. But now, I know I can reset and move forward.”
This journey is ongoing, and mindful eating provides the flexibility to adapt to life’s changes.
Whether it’s navigating stress, social situations, or medical challenges, the principles of mindfulness help create a strong foundation for lasting success.
Final Thoughts: A Message for Others
Gale’s story serves as a powerful reminder that breaking free from dieting is possible. Her journey shows that with the right mindset, support, and strategies, anyone can develop a healthier and more sustainable relationship with food.
If you’ve been struggling with dieting, emotional eating, or feeling out of control with food, mindful eating might be the missing piece. You deserve to eat in a way that supports your body and mind, without guilt or restriction.
Want to learn more?
Book a free Mindful Eating Strategy Call with Sallyanne and take the first step towards food freedom and sustainable health.