For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a strong pull toward sugar and carbohydrates. I loved it. And if I’m honest, I didn’t just enjoy it, I often felt like I couldn’t stop once I started. I loved pasta and bread, and even when I knew certain foods didn’t feel good in my body, I would still eat until I felt completely full.
There were times when I managed to avoid sweets for a while, but then I had one bite of my favourite chocolate and suddenly it felt like I lost control. I would keep eating until I physically couldn’t eat any more. Afterwards, I would feel guilty and criticise myself for not being disciplined enough.
As the years passed and I became more aware of how food affected my body, I started to question my habits. But even with more knowledge, and a strong desire to change, I still couldn’t follow through.
It wasn’t about willpower
Through my coaching education and personal development, my perspective changed, I started to understand that my behaviour wasn’t random and it wasn’t about being “weak” or lacking discipline. It was connected to my upbringing, my sense of self-worth, my experiences, and my story.
Since childhood I had learned to use food to cope with emotions I didn’t fully understand or know how to express. Over time, this became automatic.
Learning to slow down
In my coaching education, I learned to slow down and ask myself more supportive, open questions:
- Why do I reach for sweets in certain moments?
- What am I feeling right before I eat?
- Why does it feel so hard to stop?
Sometimes, I realised, I didn’t need food at all. Maybe I just needed a glass of water, to rest or perhaps my body was out of balance after a stressful or tiring day. As I slowed down, I started to notice patterns more clearly, such as old habits from childhood, my current emotional state and my nervous system.
Small steps changed everything
For a long time, I didn’t believe I could change. I didn’t believe I could be the kind of person who could have just one piece of chocolate and feel satisfied. But through small, consistent steps, which I now use when working with women, things began to shift.
Why these matters
So many mothers I speak with feel exhausted. They are holding everything together, managing their family and home, constantly giving to others, and putting themselves last. They feel disconnected from their own needs, hence, food often becomes their comfort, relief and gives them a break from a busy day. And then comes the guilt, full force, leading to frustration, and this cycle repeats itself.
A more compassionate way forward
I am still on this journey myself. I am still learning and growing and that journey probably never ends. But I am no longer stuck in the same place, and that’s exactly why I feel so passionate about supporting other women, especially mothers, who feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected.
Change doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from slowing down, understanding yourself, and taking small, consistent steps forward.
If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. Change is possible in a more supportive way than you might think. If you feel ready, you are welcome to book a free online introductory session where we can explore what might work best for you.
Also consider taking the wellness assessment above and receive your score immediately along with practical guidance and next steps.
With care,
Rannveig
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