What a Week of "Junk Food" Taught Me About My Body

This past week has been a learning experience unlike any other. Not because I discovered a new workout routine, or because I crushed a fitness goal.. but because life threw me a curveball, and I had to face it head-on.
We were in a bit of a financial crunch, which meant eating whatever was left in the house. That turned out to be freezer snacks, processed meats, curryworst, hamburgers, the kinds of things I normally keep around for quick fixes when the kids are here, or when there’s a party. Things that are easy, fast, and… let’s be honest, not the most nourishing.
Of course, I paired them with frozen vegetables (because balance, right?), but the truth is, my body noticed. After just a week of eating this way, I started to feel the difference. Heavy, bloated, constantly full, and yet craving more. Junk food has that sneaky effect: it makes you want more of it, even when you’re not truly hungry.

Listening to My Body (and Saying No)

Last night was a turning point. The cravings hit hard, and every part of me wanted to give in. But instead of automatically reaching for more food, I stopped and listened.
And this is what I told myself:
“Body, you’re craving this because I’ve been giving you low-quality fuel. You think this is all there is. But it’s not. I can give you better, and you deserve better.”
So instead of eating more, I went to bed. Because I knew the truth.. I wasn’t actually hungry. My stomach had been tight and overstuffed all week. I didn’t need more. I needed rest.

Resetting the Next Morning

When I woke up this morning, that same heavy feeling was still there. Instead of diving into breakfast right away, I decided to start with my morning cardio. Moving my body helped me feel lighter and more in tune with myself. After that, I chose a light, nourishing shake for breakfast. Something my stomach could handle and something my body actually needed.
And you know what? It felt good. It felt like a reset.

Cooking With Intention

Today, I’ve been intentional about what I eat. For lunch, I kept it simple: cucumber, cottage cheese, and a tomato omelet. Light, nourishing, refreshing.
For dinner, I went back to my roots a little. I marinated a tilapia filet in vinegar, salt, crushed garlic cloves, and peppercorns, a classic Filipino-style preparation usually used for bangus (milkfish). I didn’t have milkfish, but I wanted that flavor, that sharpness, that comfort. I’ll serve it with a small scoop of rice and tomatoes in vinegar.
And honestly? I think my body is craving sour foods right now for a reason. It feels like it’s asking to detox, to cleanse, to reset. And instead of ignoring that, I’m choosing to listen.

The Real Lesson

What this week taught me is powerful:
Eating junk food isn’t just about calories, it changes how your body feels and even how your mind works.

Cravings aren’t always real hunger. Sometimes they’re your body’s way of saying, “I need something better.”

You always have a choice: to listen, to pause, and to respond with kindness instead of impulse.

I’m not beating myself up for the week of freezer snacks. Life happens. But I am proud that I recognized how my body reacted, and I’m choosing to treat myself better.
Because this is what a healthy lifestyle is about, it’s not perfection. It’s not never eating “junk food.” It’s about being aware, making intentional choices, and remembering that your body deserves to feel good.

Final Thoughts