Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Laura Folkes and I’m a Certified Holistic Health Coach supporting clients to transform their relationships with food. I got into this work because I haven’t always had the best relationship with food and have been on a journey of my own.
My struggle with weight began at the age of 12. I faced constant bullying, comments from family members about my body, and attended my first weight loss meeting at 13. This made me very self-conscious about my body and my weight.
Over the years, I would yo-yo diet, lose 40-pounds, then gain it all back. I reached a point of burnout from dieting but still longed for a change in my weight and body. It was frustrating because in every other aspect of life, when I set my mind to something, I could achieve it. So why wasn’t it working with my weight?
I always thought I just needed to put in more effort, focus on deprivation and resisting food, but I later found out that wasn’t the solution that would lead to sustainable change!
In my mid-20’s I pursued two different approaches that kickstarted my weight loss over a three year period. Then, in 2006, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had my thyroid removed, and lost my grandmother who I was extremely close to—all within the first five months of the year. It was an incredibly stressful period, and not surprisingly I gained a few pounds back.
In January 2007, I went with a friend to a leading weight loss program, which I approached with a mindset of a lifestyle change rather than just another diet. I never thought I could wear a single-digit jean size, but I did. I reached my goal weight in 2008 after losing about 60 pounds and have kept it off since.
Despite maintaining my weight, I found myself in a cycle of healthy eating followed by eating whatever I wanted. I would gain a couple of pounds, and then have to work to lose it again. I was constantly consumed by thoughts of food and controlling my weight.
I couldn’t understand why I ate when I wasn’t hungry or why I couldn’t stop at one bowl of ice cream. I would mindlessly graze, promising myself to get back on track ‘tomorrow.’ Somehow, I would pull it together and get back on track. I was frustrated by my inability to stay focused and in control. I thought this was the way things were supposed to be. I was STUCK in a cycle I couldn’t break.
On top of that, there would be days I felt really good in my body and other days I would feel “fat” and would obsessively think about losing more weight, even though I was still close to my goal weight. No matter the number on the scale, it never seemed to be enough.
After my weight loss journey, I wanted to help others, so I went back to school and became a certified health coach. Despite my knowledge, I was still stuck in the gain/loss cycle and felt frustrated. I thought more information would help me be consistent and stop self-sabotaging, but my breakthrough came when I started working with my own health coach.
I learned that my self-discipline wasn’t the issue. I realized food is so much more for many of us than just nourishment. There is a lot of meaning, safety and protection underneath our mindless/out of control eating. When I understood that my eating habits were symptoms of deeper feelings based on my past, things shifted.
Specifically, being bullied had a deeper impact on me than I realized. Feeling misunderstood had become a big unconscious fear and would get triggered in various way, leading me to binge eat.
But, after doing my own Truce with Food work, the day I craved carrots over donuts, I knew something had changed. I didn’t have to resist or deprive myself—I simply didn’t want the donut.
Even though we never fully “arrive,” I would say I have experienced a truce with food and have a much better relationship with food, myself and my body than I ever thought possible!
Now, if and when I notice a change in my eating habits, it’s a red flag or a sign to pause and see what’s driving them. The guilt and shame no longer arises and I don’t internalize it as a failing on my part. This took A LOT of work, and it was totally worth it!
Now, it’s my mission to help others discover why they’re able to resist food some days but then find themselves overindulging on others. The food didn’t change, so what did?
I love digging in to help you uncover what’s holding you back on your weight loss and wellness journey. That’s why I became a certified health coach and why I’m so passionate about helping you transform your relationship with food! Over the last nine years I have had the pleasure of supporting over 125 clients to end binge eating and feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Now that I’ve shared my story, I’d love to hear yours! Schedule a free Curiosity Call so we can get to know each other personally. (It’s not a pushy sales call because I genuinely love getting to know you!)
