If you’ve ever wondered how someone can completely transform their relationship with food and their body, this episode is for you.
In Part 2 of my story, I share how leaving my hometown and immersing myself in a new environment helped me shift my focus from appearance to discovering my true values. I discuss how my mindset around food and fitness evolved, leading me to find true, lasting balance.
Tune in to hear the pivotal moments that helped me heal and move forward, eventually becoming the professional I am today—helping women struggling with their health, habits, and relationship to food and body, just as I once needed.
In Part 2 of my story, I share:
Something special happens when you leave everything behind at the age of 18—a path to self-discovery and personal growth. My journey toward healing and finding food freedom began with my decision to move to Israel and join the army, though I didn’t realize it at the time. I found myself living in a remarkable place deep in the Jordan Valley—Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi. Through the Garin Tzabar program for lone soldiers, I forged new friendships that reshaped how I viewed health and well-being.
In many ways, the army turned out to be a helpful setting for a healing binge eater. Meals were consistent, satisfying, and filling, with little time to obsess over food. I could enjoy the occasional rugelach without guilt, as working hard outdoors made these foods feel genuinely needed and well-deserved. Unintentionally, my thoughts about food were shifting naturally. usual eating habits and thoughts around food started shifting. I also discovered a love for running, which transformed exercise into a fun activity instead of a calorie-burning chore.
Life on the Kibbutz was refreshingly different than what I was used to. People didn’t greet you with comments on appearance or clothing brands. Instead, they valued the willingness to give up comforts for the greater good. This new environment quickly felt like home.
During my service and Kibbutz life, exercise became a regular part of my routine. Running and weekend spin classes at a local studio brought out a love for fitness, and my body naturally became more fit. This time, I didn’t obsess over weight; I was simply enjoying the process.
By university, I was free from binge eating and had found food freedom. My decision to study nutrition stemmed from a desire to understand what makes food truly healthy. One key moment came when I found myself self-conscious about eating chocolate in front of others. Using new tools, I reminded myself that it was okay to enjoy chocolate without judgment. I had finally made it to the other side. Later, I pursued coaching to deepen these skills, which I now use to help others overcome similar struggles with food and body image.
My journey taught me that healing our relationship with food isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about embracing growth and self-compassion. Today, as a nutritionist and health coach, I am grateful to support others through their own journeys toward health in a balanced, accepting way. From my years of self-discovery, I learned that true food freedom is about enjoying life’s moments fully—without the weight of guilt or the need for control.
Be sure to catch Part 1 of this episode here.
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You can also find me and reach out on Instagram! @annael_brown_nutrition.
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