Try to check in with yourself throughout the day. Before you eat something, ask yourself why you want to eat it now and why that specific thing. Is it because you’re hungry? If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat! But if you want to eat because you’re bored or emotional or because your friends are eating or because it’s convenient, rethink it. Keep your health goals in mind and consider how your choices are going to affect your path to those goals. During the meal, pause at each bite to appreciate the food. If you don’t love the food and it isn’t doing you any favors, don’t eat it! And don’t be afraid to leave some food on the plate when you get full (leftovers are the BEST). If you take your time eating and stay mindful of how you feel throughout the meal, it’ll be easier to identify when you start to feel full.

I’ve also found using a calorie counting app (MyFitnessPal) and journaling have helped keep me on track and helped me sort through my thoughts and my relationship with food and body image issues. Studies show that people tend to underestimate how many calories they’re consuming, so using a calorie counting app helps keep you on track by making you more accountable for the choices you’re making.

I used noom for a short period of time. It’s an app that helps you learn more about the psychology of eating and teaches you tricks to eat less and feel good about yourself. I definitely recommend it, and if you’re tight on money, just do the two week free trial and quit after that (like I did lol)

No matter what you decide to do to try to lose weight, remember that shame is the enemy of progress. You’re going to make mistakes throughout your journey, and there are going to be times that it’s really hard. When you slip up, don’t beat yourself up about it. You’re only human. Foods high in fat and carbs and sugar taste really good and cause your brain to release dopamine into your system, of COURSE they’re going to be hard to give up. Own your mistakes, and practice saying “I may have not done great today, but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. I have the power to do better tomorrow.”

You can do this! Be willing to try new things and commit to them, and remember that Rome wasn’t built by you going to the gym once - it’s going to take a while and it’s going to take consistency.

You have the power to change your life, and since you’re still a teenager, the relationship you develop with food and with your body image now will be a great help for you down the line in life. Shoot your shot

TCC after ruptured tubal pregnancy