I’ve always loved food. Not just any food, but the kind that usually comes with a big red label: unhealthy: French fries, pizza, cheese, Coke, sweets, and especially bubble tea — I enjoy them all. I’ve always been attracted to meals that feel rich, creamy, or indulgent.

For me, eating is a way to experience different cultures and life. A cup of bubble tea with friends after work, sharing pizza with colleagues, or having fries on a late night — those were simple but fun, and I didn’t want to give up.

However, in the place where I lived and worked, appearance mattered, people would notice how you looked. I was often the “bigger” girl among my colleagues, and some people even made jokes about me. Being called “fat” was never fun. At first, I laughed it off, but I felt embarrassed, and I slowly lost my confidence.

My Struggles and the Failed Attempts

I wasn’t someone who ignored health. I had the habit of going to the gym almost every day. But my eating habits didn’t match my workouts. I would train hard, then went out for bubble tea or fried snacks. And of course, I didn’t look “fit”, even though I was active.

Like many people, I thought the solution was obvious: cut off the unhealthy foods. I told myself I wouldn’t drink bubble tea more than twice a week, compared to my usual four times. I promised to avoid fries and pizza altogether. But I always failed, no matter how determined I felf at the beginning. If a coworker invited me to join for a cup of bubble tea, I couldn’t say no. If I smelled fries, I would have one without second thought.

Then I tried something harsher: cutting calories very low. I set myself under 1,200 calories a day — less than the basic need for most people. It worked for only two days. By the third day, I was dizzy, tired, and starving. My body craved food so badly that I ended up eating even more than before. Instead of losing weight, I felt worse, both physically and mentally.

I soon realized that extreme restriction never worked for me. It only led to binge eating, guilt, and exhaustion. Research also shows that sustainable eating habits are far more effective than extreme diets because they can be adapted to real life and maintained long term

Every attempt left me frustrated. It felt like I had to choose between two options: either enjoy food and gain weight, or starve myself and feel miserable. Neither option was sustainable.

The Turning Point After I Gave Birth

Things became more serious after I gave birth. During my pregnancy, I let myself eat whatever I wanted and I slowed down on exercise. I told myself it was fine — I was eating for two.

After one year of giving birth, when I went for a health check, the results shocked me. I was close to being classified as obese. The doctor warned me about the risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol if I didn’t manage my weight. It was no longer about looks or confidence. It was about my health and my future.

At that moment, I realized I couldn’t continue the way I was. But I also knew I couldn’t just stop eating the foods I loved. I needed a different approach — one that was realistic, sustainable, and kind to myself.

How I Found Balance With Food (Without Cutting My Favorites)

Instead of fighting against myself, I decided to work with myself. I sat down and wrote a plan that considered both my health goals and my love for food.

Here’s what I did:

1. I decided that I wouldn’t battle my cravings for “unhealthy foods” just to be healthier

For a long time, I thought I had to “hate” junk food to be healthy. But the truth is, those foods are designed to be addictive, and I think many people struggle with them just like I do. So instead of fighting myself, I accepted it. This mindset shift was powerful. As soon as I let go of the idea that I had to stop craving entirely, eating became easier and less emotional.

2. My favorite foods would be a part of my plan, not things I had to stay away

I decided to include them in a simple way: I kept my breakfast, lunch, and dinner balanced with basic nutritions: protein, healthy fat, vitamin, fiber, and then left a little space for something I enjoyed. It could be a cup of bubble tea, a slice of pizza, or some fries.  Knowing that I would have space for things I love kept me from feeling guilty or out of control.

3. I enjoyed the “healthier versions” of the foods

I started looking for little adjustments that made them fit me better. For bubble tea, I would order the smaller size, cut down the sugar, or sometimes switch to plain tea when I craved the flavor but not the calories. With pizza, I went for lighter toppings or made my own with more veggies. For fries, I tried baking them at home or using an air fryer, and I often added a fresh salad on the side. These little changes made the foods healthier, but I still got the taste I loved.

4. I learned to control my hunger

I noticed my cravings weren’t only about loving certain foods — they became stronger when I let myself get too hungry. If I skipped meals or waited too long, my energy crashed and I wanted to eat everything at once. To prevent that, I paid attention to timing and regular: eating at steady times, keeping small snacks like yogurt, nuts, or fruit on hand, and drinking enough water. By keeping my hunger steady, I felt calmer, and it was much easier to enjoy my treats without losing control.

5. I allowed treat days

Once or twice a week, I let myself enjoy my favorite foods without worrying if they were healthy — as long as they made me happy. I could have pizza for dinner or share fries with my family. And I allowed myself to enjoy a large cup of bubble tea with toppings I like. Suprisingly, this helped me reset my mind. I felt satisfied and ready to go back to balance the next day.

At a party or on vacation, it’s normal to eat more. A few days of junk food won’t ruin anything — what matters is coming back to your plan after.

My Transformation in Numbers

At first, this approach felt like small adjustments, but over time I found myself eating less junk food and adding more healthy choices to my meals. After giving birth, I weighed 70 kilograms at 158 cm tall. Slowly, I lost 16 kilograms. My body fat went down from 40% to 24%, my muscle mass is about 24 kilograms, and my weight has stabilized at 54 kilograms.

More than numbers, I noticed changes in how I felt. I had more energy, my clothes fit better, and I could choose any style I wanted with confidence. People noticed the change, and I felt proud — not just because of how I looked, but because I had finally found a way that worked for me.

The best part? I still drink coke, bubble tea, have pizza, and enjoy food with friends and family. The difference is, now I do it with awareness and balance.

Reflections: What I Learned

Looking back, I see that the problem was never the food itself. The problem was my mindset — thinking I had to either be “perfect” or “out of control.” Once I stopped thinking in extremes, everything changed.

I learned that:

• I don’t have to cut off everything I love to be healthy.

• Balance works better than restriction.

• Planning ahead makes indulgence possible without guilt.

• Being kind to myself is more powerful than any diet rule.

Now, when I see people struggling with diets, I always want to share this: it doesn’t have to be torture. If you love food like I do, you can still reach your goals without giving it up. The key is to find a middle ground that you can live with — not just for a week, but for life.

Finding Freedom in Balance

Food is more than nutrition. It’s culture, connection, and joy. For me, bubble tea with friends or pizza night with family are precious moments, and I don’t want any diet to steal them from me. By choosing balance, I learned how to be healthier without sacrificing my love for foods.

So if you’ve been struggling with diets that feel too strict, maybe it’s time to try something different. Don’t think about cutting off everything you enjoy. Think about how you can include it in a way that still supports your health.

Because life is too short to give up pizza!

If you’d like extra guidance on mindful eating, see 9 Zen Minimalism Tips to Eat Less Without Feeling Deprived