Hi, I’m Annmarie Miles, and I’m so glad you’re here. Your messages and support have been overwhelming, and I’m incredibly grateful to those who’ve encouraged me and even bought me a coffee through my website. Today, I want to share a pivotal moment in my life—what I call my “about turn”—when I decided to face my struggles with food, weight, and self-care.
The Endless Cycle of Diets
Like many, I’ve tried nearly every diet under the sun. When I first downloaded MyFitnessPal in 2012, I weighed 23 stone 12 pounds. That shocking number stayed with me, even though my weight has fluctuated over the years. Despite the countless diets, I often reverted to unhealthy habits, eating in secret and ignoring the toll on my body. I’d lose a few pounds, only to gain them back—and more. I despised this cycle but felt trapped.
In 2012, I wrote a blog post capturing my frustration and shame. I prayed for strength, but I also feared the process. Then I discovered “Made to Crave” by Lysaf TerKeurst, and its subtitle, “Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God and Not Food,” struck a nerve. Though it took years to embrace the message, it planted a seed.
Finding Inspiration
Fast forward to 2016, when I stumbled upon Teresa Shields Parker’s book, How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor. Her words were a wake-up call: “You can’t keep doing this to yourself. Turn around right now and start moving in the other direction.” That moment changed everything. For the first time, I saw the possibility of transforming my relationship with food. I began to see myself differently and gave myself permission to stop resenting my reflection. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” I told myself, “I can and I will.”
A New Approach: Eat Less, Move More
Since that day, I’ve had ups and downs. I’ve overeaten, gained weight, and struggled, but I’ve never given up. My mantra has become: “You’re doing great. Look in the mirror and see the difference.” I even keep old trousers as a reminder of how far I’ve come and clothes that don’t quite fit yet to inspire me to reach my next goal.
When people ask how I’ve lost weight, I tell them, “The eat less, move more diet.” It’s simple in theory but challenging in practice. I’ve learned to be ruthless about removing obstacles that deter me. Whether it’s saying no to foods I don’t love or staying motivated with achievable goals, I remind myself: this is a lifelong journey, not a temporary fix.
Why This Matters
Food, weight, and health will always be part of my life. I’ve accepted that and decided to make it a positive focus rather than a source of shame. My aim is to live longer, be healthier, and enjoy more time with my loved ones. I want to inspire others to start again, no matter how many times they’ve tried before. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Are You Ready to Start Again?
Where are you in your journey? Whether you’ve conquered your struggles or are still battling, remember: the alternative to trying again is staying stuck. Decide to make health and self-care a permanent part of your life. It’s not about losing weight for a season; it’s about embracing a sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle. Let’s do this together—because you’re worth it.
