Lifestyle: My Recovery from Overeating

Hiya Gorgeous!

I have been posting my journey to stop overeating on Instagram. I am on day 22 and it hasn't been easy. Some days have been filled with the struggle of consuming so much at once that I feel I have failed. Others have been easy breezy and healthy, my struggle is not just with junk food but with all food. Overeating is something a lot of people do because we eat with our emotions rather than when we are hungry.

The grief of loosing my dog a little over four months ago had me constantly binge eating and not witnessing what I was doing. I am sad, but joyful at the same time with life and so it is hard to recognize sometimes when the grief is showing up. In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about my eating disorders when I was 13 years old. Although I no longer starve myself like I did back then, overeating is just as bad for my health.

This journey of 40 days without overeating was a decision I made because I was feeling foggy and exhausted. I needed help and with the plethora of books and support I have received I believe wholeheartedly  that I can do this. YES, I have fallen off, and most likely will again. BUT, I do my best with meditation and awareness to come back to who I really am. A healthier, happier me!

So I am more than half way done my 40 days and here is what I have come to notice, I forgive myself more easily than I once did, I have completely let go of it being about my appearance and I love myself even more today than yesterday and when I started at day one.

Some tips for those of you who feel like food is something that controls you; Meal prep HELPS a lot! Meditation, books (Mindset, Willpower and The Best Diet Begins in Your Mind etc), following blogs and others on a similar journey, support of and from others , hobbies, and working out. The number one thing is know that you are going to fall off and that is okay. 

“I don't believe in the words "success" and "failure" any longer. For me, it's all experience.  The only thing that defines experience is the way you choose to handle it in any given moment.” - Stacy London

Be easy with yourself and love the process, you can do anything you put your mind to!


I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

A.M.E.G. Designs

Lifestyle: What's the biggest challenge right now?

Hiya Sunshine,

Do you have any challenges right now that you know if you just let that one thing go, so many more possibilities would open up for you?

Right now, I think my biggest challenge is letting go of overeating. Body image issues have been a huge part of my life and I know that it all comes down to this last hurtle of being a recovered over eater, not just recovering. 

I was with a friend the other day and she said, "You know I just always have eaten only whenever I am hungry. I never understood what the big deal was, with say an event that had a bunch of free food. Not something that ever interested me". WOW - when she explained about an event that showed up once for her in the past, I got really excited. I loooooove food so much! But it has always been a hindrance in a lot of ways for me. What I took from that is, I know I want to only eat when I am hungry, enjoy and savour food instead of allowing it to control me in a lot of ways.

When something aggravating showed up today, I immediately wanted eat something. I couldn't believe how strong the feeling was. I have been witnessing and paying way more attention to how I am feeling when I think I want food now. This is such an important thing to do! Taking a step back and distracting myself, doing something else makes a huge difference. I'd much rather make a dress then eat my feelings(lol). Not having junk or anything sweet or salty that doesn't nourish my body in the house is extremely important as well.

I made strawberry banana bread and in three days it was gone. So I know I WANT to let go of this overeating emotional habit. EVERY single day I am working on it. I know I can do this, and this is the last that I need to do. Because it isn't about the food, or gaining weight. I love my body. I am comfortable in my OWN skin. It is recognizing when I am eating with my emotions continuing the block, rather than working through my stuff.

Today is a new day and here I sit happy I said 'NO', to a doughnut and yes to me!

Remember, we are all going through something and it is so important to show up for yourself, then you can show up for others too.

I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

Lifestyle: Guidance for Body Love

Hello Gorgeous,

As a recovering overeater, there are times I fall off. Day to day life can have stresses good and bad. I find that certain tools such as a good book, The Best Diet Begins in Your Mind, about eating with our emotions vs hunger and this meditation Guidance for Body Love, really help to step back and be aware of why I am overeating. It is a battle sometimes but I think the most important thing is to move forward and high five myself for the little victories! I hope this can serve you too.
Strength and guidance Xo

Your Designer,

                          Amanda Garrett