If you had met me as a kid, you’d never think I’d end up struggling with weight. I was active, good at sports, dancing, and school—it all came naturally. But around 8 or 9 years old, something changed. Despite being from a pretty fit family, I started gaining weight and became known as the “chubby” kid. It wasn’t because I was lazy or didn’t care—I was trying, but no one really talks about how easy it is to lose control of your routine, your habits, and eventually, your health.
Emotional Eating: A Hidden Struggle
As I grew older, I noticed a pattern: whenever I felt stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed, I turned to food for comfort. It wasn’t something I understood at the time, but looking back, I can see that it was my way of coping. For many of us, especially in times of change—like moving for studies, starting a new job, or dealing with the pressures of life—food can become that quick fix for emotional relief. The issue is, it never really solves anything, and eventually, I found myself stuck in a cycle of eating to feel better, then feeling worse because of the weight I gained.
Life Abroad and the Weight of Change
When I left for college abroad, things got even more complicated. I was balancing my studies, a part-time job, and trying to adjust to a whole new life. Like many students and immigrants, my routine was completely thrown off. Eating late at night, grabbing quick takeout between classes, or just being too exhausted to make healthy choices became my norm. It’s a common story—when you’re dealing with so much change and stress, managing your health often takes a backseat. Before I knew it, I was gaining even more weight.
One of the most painful moments during this period was when I went dress shopping for my graduation. My parents were with me, and it was supposed to be a special occasion. Yet, as we went from store to store, I couldn’t find a dress that fit me or looked good enough. The options were either too plain or simply didn’t suit my size. For the first time, I had to enter a plus-size store, and it shattered me. I felt humiliated and defeated, and it was a stark reminder of how far I had strayed from feeling comfortable in my own skin.
Even after settling into a corporate job as a lawyer, the pressures didn’t let up. I was working long hours, constantly on the go, and battling with my self-image. It’s a tough place to be in—looking like you have it all together on the outside, while silently feeling trapped by your own body.
The Turning Point: Facing Emotional Eating
Two years ago, I reached my heaviest weight and my lowest point mentally. It wasn’t just about the number on the scale—I realized I was using food to fill an emotional gap. That’s when things began to shift. Through therapy and self-reflection, I started to uncover the reasons behind my emotional eating. It wasn’t about lack of willpower, it was about trying to soothe feelings I hadn’t fully dealt with. For many of us, food becomes a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness, or even the pressure to perform in life, and breaking that cycle takes more than just a diet—it requires understanding what’s driving it.
A New Understanding of Nutrition
As I started healing emotionally, I also began educating myself on nutrition. I realized food isn’t just about satisfying cravings—it’s fuel. Our bodies need the right nutrients to function at their best, and gut health plays a massive role in both our physical and mental well-being. The more I learned about how the gut and brain are connected, the more I started to see real changes—not just in my weight, but in how I felt overall.
This led me to pursue formal education and become a certified nutritionist and dietitian. Now, I see food as something that can empower us, not just something to turn to in moments of weakness.
Building Habits That Last
What changed everything for me was letting go of the quick-fix mentality. We’re often tempted to go for drastic diets or intense workout plans, but those never last because they don’t change your habits. I realized I needed to build a sustainable routine—one where I listened to my body, gave it what it needed, and addressed my emotional triggers in a healthier way.
It’s not easy, and there are still days when I struggle, but now I know how to manage those moments without turning to food for comfort. It’s a process, and that’s okay.
Chubby to Chiseled: It’s More Than Weight Loss
This journey inspired me to create “Chubby to Chiseled.” It’s not just a name—it’s my story, and it’s the story of so many others who have felt the same struggles. It’s about more than just losing weight—it’s about healing inside and out. It’s about finding a way to take care of yourself, even when life feels overwhelming, and building habits that support both your body and mind.
Whether you’re a student juggling a crazy schedule, an immigrant trying to adjust to a new life, or someone who feels like their weight is holding them back, I understand. I’ve been there, and I want you to know that real change is possible.
Let’s Transform Together
If you’re feeling stuck—if you’ve been using food to cope with stress or you’ve lost track of your routine—it’s okay. You don’t need to be perfect to start making changes. It’s about building habits that last, and I’m here to help guide you through that process.
Your journey from Chubby to Chiseled starts now. Let’s build the habits that will lead to lasting transformation, one step at a time.
Chubby to Chiseled 