Two years ago, my life was turned upside down by a nasty breakup. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know it wasn’t just the end of a relationship—it was the beginning of a whirlwind of emotional challenges that pushed me to my limits. I was forced to rebuild myself from the ground up, and in that process, I experienced some unexpected changes, including a dramatic shift in my weight.
What I’ve come to call "The Divorce Diet" was more about survival than intentionality. It was a reflection of stress and heartbreak, and while it led to my lowest weight ever, it was far from a healthy transformation. The real story lies in what came after: the healing, the weight regain, and the lessons I learned along the way.
The "Divorce Diet"
In the throes of emotional upheaval, eating often became an afterthought. Stress, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of change consumed me. I wasn't intentionally dieting, but the combination of diminished appetite and a heightened sense of fight-or-flight took its toll. Over the course of a few months, I dropped to a weight I hadn’t seen ever in my adult life.
During this time, I also found myself turning to alcohol as a food group. A glass of wine or a cocktail became a substitute for meals, numbing the emotions I wasn’t ready to face. It was an unhealthy coping mechanism, but at the time, it felt like the only way to get through the day.
At first, I was stunned. Friends and family commented on how "good" I looked. My jeans fit better; I felt lighter—in more ways than one. But the truth is, this wasn’t a healthy journey. My body was reacting to emotional stress, not a well-balanced lifestyle.
The Aftermath of Healing
As time went on, the grief and stress began to subside. I started to rediscover myself, rebuilding my life with healthier habits and a renewed sense of purpose. Journaling became a lifeline during this period, helping me process my emotions and chart my progress. Writing down my thoughts gave me clarity and a sense of control, allowing me to release negativity and focus on the positives.
I found joy in cooking again, in savoring meals rather than skipping them. Slowly but surely, the weight began to return—not all of it, but enough to make me notice.
Initially, I panicked. Gaining weight felt like losing control. But then I realized something important: this was a sign of healing. My body was no longer in crisis mode. I was nourishing myself properly, moving my body for strength and not just distraction, and, most importantly, learning to love myself at every stage.
What I Learned
Stress Weight Loss Isn’t Sustainable Weight loss driven by stress is neither healthy nor lasting. The "Divorce Diet" wasn’t a diet at all—it was a reflection of emotional turmoil, and that’s not a place I’d ever want to revisit for the sake of a number on the scale.
Healing Brings Balance Healing isn’t linear, and it’s not without its challenges. Gaining back some weight was a sign that I was treating my body better, and that was worth more than the fleeting satisfaction of a smaller size.
Self-Love is Key The most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. Learning to love and appreciate my body at every stage has been a cornerstone of my fitness journey.
Healthy Habits Matter Today, my focus isn’t on being the lightest I can be; it’s on being the strongest and healthiest version of myself. Regular workouts, balanced meals, and plenty of self-care are my priorities.
Journaling is Powerful Journaling has been an invaluable tool in my healing process. It allowed me to reflect, release, and refocus, turning chaotic emotions into something tangible and manageable. This habit has become a cornerstone of my emotional well-being.
Moving Forward
Looking back, I’m grateful for the lessons the "Divorce Diet" taught me, even if the experience wasn’t ideal. It was a chapter in my story, not the whole book. Today, my fitness adventures are about strength, resilience, and finding joy in the journey—not just the destination.
If you’re navigating a similar experience, know that you are not alone. Many of us go through divorce or breakups, know this: your worth isn’t tied to a number on the scale. Healing takes time, and balance will come. Be kind to yourself through every stage of your journey.
Love,
Liz
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