Imagine shedding nearly half your body weight while battling a mental health condition. For Emma Hooker, a fitness and nutrition coach, this wasn't just a physical transformation; it was a journey of self-discovery and healing. Emma, at just 24, lost an astounding **72 kilograms (approximately 160 pounds) while navigating the challenges of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an eating disorder. Her story offers a powerful message: true transformation goes far beyond the number on the scale.**
ADHD and Disordered Eating: The Hidden Hurdles
Emma candidly shared on Instagram how her ADHD significantly impacted her eating habits, making her weight loss journey a constant battle. "I used to think I just had no willpower," she admitted, "that I was lazy or simply didn’t want it badly enough. But ADHD made things harder in ways I didn’t even realize for a long time." This struggle is a common experience for many with ADHD, where impulsivity and difficulty with planning can wreak havoc on healthy habits.
Her relationship with food was often unpredictable. She'd become fixated on a single food item for weeks, only to then completely lose interest, leading to erratic eating patterns. To combat this, Emma adopted a strategy of rotating 2-3 meal options. This approach provided variety without overwhelming her, offering a practical solution for those with similar challenges.
Listening to Her Body: The Key to Consistency
Emma also struggled with inconsistent eating, often going for long periods without food and then overeating. "I’d go hours without realizing I hadn’t eaten and then suddenly I’d be starving and end up overeating," she revealed. To address this, she set reminders to eat at regular intervals, teaching herself to recognize her hunger cues before reaching a point of extreme hunger or emotional eating.
Another major challenge was emotional eating. "I’d snack constantly when I was bored, not hungry. It wasn’t about food. I just needed stimulation," she explained. Emma learned to identify her true needs, whether it was a walk, music, or simply some rest, instead of automatically turning to food. This is a crucial step in breaking free from emotional eating patterns.
The Game-Changing Shift: Ditching the 'Good' and 'Bad' Labels
But here's where it gets controversial... The most significant shift in Emma's journey came when she stopped labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad.' This mindset helped her break free from guilt-driven cycles of eating. "I stopped labeling food as good or bad. I eat balanced meals with things I enjoy so I never feel deprived," she shared. This concept is a cornerstone of intuitive eating, where the focus is on listening to your body's cues rather than adhering to rigid rules.
Emma also learned to plan ahead to reduce stress and impulsive choices. She began checking restaurant menus in advance and keeping go-to meals readily available. This proactive approach minimized the anxiety and indecision that often led to overeating.
Building Sustainable Habits: The Long-Term Secret
Emma emphasizes that lasting results come from consistency and balance, not from extreme diets or an all-or-nothing mentality. She focused on sustainable changes, such as drinking enough water, enjoying workouts, and celebrating non-scale victories. Her advice? Start small. "One two-hour gym session isn’t going to fix anything, but showing up for 10 minutes four times a week will change your life."
And this is the part most people miss... Even after losing over 70 kilograms, Emma acknowledges that managing ADHD and disordered eating is an ongoing process. "Even now, after losing 160 pounds, I still struggle with a lot of this. The difference is that I’ve learned how to manage it. I’ve learned to pause, show myself compassion, and stop expecting perfection," she shared. Her story is a testament to the power of self-compassion and the importance of viewing weight loss as a journey of self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
Emma's experience highlights that the most profound transformation comes not just from losing weight but from regaining control, awareness, and self-compassion. What are your thoughts on Emma's approach? Do you agree that labeling foods can be detrimental? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
