Emotional Eater: How I lost 200 pounds and have kept it off for 20 years

by Eric Johnson

Losing weight can seem impossible when you’re an emotional eater.When we’re scared, lonely, or sad, food provides such great relief – but it comes at a cost. It’s okay to want to be thin. We are not meant to be fat. When we lose weight, we uncover our true selves. Even the things that cause us to eat are easier to handle.

I don’t believe anyone likes being fat. Being fat is hard. It’s hard on the body and on the soul. It’s also embarrassing. I’ve broken chairs at restaurants, ripped pants in public, and I’ve been too big for rollercoaster seats. I heard Fatso so much growing up I thought it was all I would ever be.

But I can tell you everything in life gets better and easier after losing weight.

I was 380 pounds at my heaviest. I lost over 200 pounds and have kept it off for 20 years. I hope my story of what worked for me will inspire you.

No one can do it for us, though. All the diets and programs out there show us the science, but then we’re left with the hole deep inside that just needs to be filled. Reading how others have done it helps the most, I think. This book shows what worked for me.

How can I stop eating when all I want to do is head to the fridge? How can I not turn to food when I’m anxious or depressed? How can I find an exercise I will like and actually do? These are a few of the questions I discovered answers to.

Because I’m a fat realist, I don’t think any of us compulsive eaters ever completely get over our food addiction. But we can learn to work with it. We need to figure out how to get along with our BFF (best friend food) because it’s just not going away.

We need to stop our overeating and get on with our lives. In addition to losing weight, I discovered how to get along in the world as a highly sensitive, people-pleasing, compulsive emotional eater. I even found my own personal secret to happiness.

Please read this book and get on with it. Lose the weight. Everything gets better when you do.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2023

Reviews

[Kim Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Could relate to a lot of it but didn’t find the “secret” that will work for me. Very impressive that he got rid of the weight and has kept it off. Loved the conversation he has with his “scale” so do keep that in mind when I step on mine. And yes, I do thank her and remind myself that it isn’t “personal”-it is simply the science of weight gain. And trying to tell myself “it is just the way it is”. Glad I read it and did take away a lot of ideas. Just wish I found the “magic pill” to take it off. But like my doctor said “if losing weight was easy, we would all be skinny”.

[Matt Rudnitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Emotional Eater" by Eric Johnson is a heartening and insightful read for anyone struggling with emotional eating and weight issues. Eric's journey of losing 200 pounds and maintaining it for over 20 years is inspiring and a practical guide to understanding and overcoming emotional eating challenges. His honest and empathetic approach makes the book relatable to a broad audience, from those mildly struggling with their weight to those deeply entrenched in the throes of emotional eating.
Eric's storytelling, shaped by his theater and non-profit communications background, is engaging and filled with humor and wisdom. He offers practical tips like 'friendly bingeing' and finding enjoyable exercises, providing a realistic approach to making peace with food. This book is a testament that emotional eating may never disappear entirely. It can bring joy and health back into one's life.
This book is a must-read for anyone who seeks not just to lose weight but to find a happier, more fulfilling way to live with food. It's an enlightening journey through the complexities of emotional eating, offering hope and practical solutions for a healthier, more balanced life. If you're ready to change your relationship with food and embark on a journey of self-discovery and health, "Emotional Eater" is your companion. Dive into Eric Johnson's story and find the inspiration to start your transformation today.

[Pam Herrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I read it more because the author is from my hometown than for the content. I could relate to growing up in Arlington and the mentality of the 80's. I also remember things that were said to me or humiliation that stayed with me into adulthood and feeling "not good enough". I also can relate to finding comfort from eating certain foods like chocolate or drinking pretty much anything with alcohol. Does it really help in the long run? Probably not, but in the short term it fires the dopamine in the brain and that's what I need at the time. Pain = Indulgence = Dopamine = Pleasure

[Joe Stakvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at what makes that hole inside of someone

I really liked the truth of emotions. Some of the shower scenes and bullying were like I was there. I didn’t want to relive those difficulties but I was glad to know and hear about the Jeff’s in our lives. The life journey was so utterly desperate at times I couldn’t read it anymore while at the same time I needed to know how to overcome the obstacles. I’m hopeful that I can conquer my demons in as successful a way too. You have given me some hope again. Thank you for that.

[Rose Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real, Honest and The Most Helpful

I liked how real, genuine and vulnerable Eric was to tell his story with no hidden agenda. This was the most helpful book on weight loss I have ever read. I especially liked how he shared his faults, failures and successes in a fun and easy read. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking answers for their own weight loss journey. You are amazing Eric.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Emotional Journey

This is an emotional story hate is at times difficult to read. Many times I found myself feeling what Eric was describing. Like him I thought I was the only one who felt that way. But we are not alone. This book provides life lessons to help in our journey. I can only hope that I will remember his words of advice and stop being so hard on myself and stop trying to be someone I’m not.

[Tristan Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read.

This is a well written book and a very personal account of the authors journey with emotional eating. It is a compelling read.